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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-01-11 - AGENDA REPORTS - TWO UNIT RESIDENTIAL DEV ORDO Agenda Item: 9 1. CITY OF SANTA CLARITA AGENDA REPORT PUBLIC HEARINGS CITY MANAGER APPROVAL: 1 DATE: January 11, 2022 SUBJECT: FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE FOR TWO -UNIT RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT AND URBAN LOT SPLITS (SB 9) DEPARTMENT: Community Development PRESENTER: Erika Iverson RECOMMENDED ACTION City Council: 1. Conduct the public hearing. 2. Introduce and pass to second reading an ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA, TO ESTABLISH REGULATIONS FOR TWO -UNIT RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT AND URBAN LOT SPLITS, AMENDING THE UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE AS SHOWN IN EXHIBIT A" with the additional language as recommended by staff. 3. Adopt a resolution for Two -Unit Residential Development Design Standards, as shown in Exhibit A. BACKGROUND On September 16, 2021, the Governor signed into law Senate Bill (SB) 9, which went into effect on January 1, 2022. Senate Bill 9 is a part of the larger California State Senate Housing Package which aims to increase the supply of housing in California. Senate Bill 9 preempts the density limitation established by the local jurisdiction's General Plan and underlying zone and requires ministerial approval of two dwelling units on a parcel zoned for a single-family unit (two -unit residential development), and ministerial approval of a parcel map for a lot split on a parcel zoned for single-family uses (urban lot split), subject to qualifying criteria. The City of Santa Clarita (City) and the League of California Cities opposed the bill. There continues to be opponents to SB 9, and a ballot initiative has been submitted to the state with the hope to be qualified for the November 2022 ballot, that would amend the California Page 1 Packet Pg. 53 O Constitution to provide that a local jurisdiction's land use policies, zoning standards, or development standards are deemed a municipal affair and shall prevail over a conflicting state statute. If successful, this ballot initiative would allow the City's Unified Development Code (UDC) to supersede SB 9. However, until such time that there is a successful ballot initiative or change to the state law, SB 9 will remain in effect on January 1, 2022. Pursuant to SB 9, the City is permitted to adopt a local ordinance for the purpose of implementing two -unit residential developments and urban lot splits on a parcel zoned for a single-family dwelling unit, and may impose objective development standards that do not conflict with SB 9. In order for the City to exert as much local control as possible over two -unit residential development and urban lot splits, the Planning Division, with support from the City Attorney's office, has drafted the Two -Unit Residential Development and Urban Lot Split ordinance for consideration (Exhibit A: Code Amendment Language), consistent with what other jurisdictions are proposing in response to SB 9. The proposed project would update the City's UDC, as well as establish a specific set of development design standards for two -unit residential developments and urban lot splits. The proposed amendments consist of text amendments only; no changes to the City's General Plan Land Use Map or Zoning Map are proposed. The intent of the code amendments and development design standards is to provide the City with the maximum amount of local control over the development of two -unit residential developments and urban lot splits permitted under state law, while complying with state mandates to provide ministerial approval for these developments on parcels zoned for single-family uses. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION At their meeting on December 7, 2021, the Planning Commission conducted a public hearing and in a 4-0 vote (Commission Eichman absent), adopted Resolution P21-23, recommending the City Council adopt the Two -Unit Residential Development and Urban Lot Split ordinance and associated Two -Unit Residential Development Design Standards. Two letters in support of the proposed ordinance were received prior to the Planning Commission Hearing. PROJECT DESCRIPTION The proposed amendments incorporate regulations that will provide the City with the maximum amount of local control possible over two -unit residential development and urban lot splits within the boundaries of state law under SB 9. Proposed Ordinance General Development Regulations The proposed amendments would establish a number of regulations for two -unit residential developments and would enforce applicable development regulations for the underlying zone, and would further establish additional regulations specific to two -unit residential developments. Specifically, the development regulations would: • Set a maximum floor area of 800 square feet for any new unit constructed under SB 9; • Set a maximum building height of one-story, not to exceed 16 feet; • Require a minimum private -outdoor space of 650 square feet for each unit; • Require one parking space per unit, to be provided in a fully enclosed garage; Page 2 Packet Pg. 54 O Require separate utility connections for each unit; Require separate trash -collection carts for each unit; and Prohibit removal of any oak tree over 12.5 inches in circumference. Income Restrictions The proposed amendments would require at least one unit in a two -unit residential development to be income restricted for lower income households (moderate, low, very low, extremely low), which would count toward the City's Regional Housing Needs Assessment obligation for lower income units. Applicants would be required to enter into an affordable housing agreement, encumbering the property with an income restricted unit for 55 years. Accessory Dwelling Units The proposed amendments would prohibit Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior ADUs on a parcel where two -unit residential development is proposed or approved. Homeowner Association The proposed amendments would require approval from the Homeowner Association upon application for parcels that fall within the jurisdiction of a Homeowner Association. High Fire Severity Zone (HFSZ) The proposed amendments would require two -unit residential developments and urban lot splits located in the HFSZ to be located either on lots which directly front on a highway, as defined in the General Plan, or have two means of direct vehicular access to a highway. This is consistent with the ADU Ordinance adopted by the City in January 2021, and is intended to preserve public safety and traffic flow by ensuring that sufficient evacuation routes and emergency access is provided to all dwelling units. In addition, newly -constructed units within the HFSZ would be required to provide fire sprinklers. Development Standards Additionally, the proposed amendments include adoption of a resolution for Two -Unit Residential Development Design Standards (Design Standards) (Exhibit A: Two -Unit Residential Design Standards). The Design Standards would apply to two -unit residential developments and are intended to establish objective architectural criteria to guide construction of two -unit residential developments and include specific requirements that serve as a foundation for suitable residential architecture that is compatible with the City's Community Character Design Guidelines. It is important to note that the proposed Design Standards are a stand-alone set of architectural requirements for two -unit residential development and, if necessary, can be expanded in the future with approval by the City Council. Recommended Addition Upon further coordination with the City Attorney's Office, staff recommends one addition to the code amendment language for Two -Unit Residential Development. The proposed language is as follows and would be incorporated as Section 17.57.025.G(4): A proposed two -unit residential development shall be denied if the application fails to comply Page 3 Packet Pg. 55 O with this Section. ENVIRONMENTAL A Notice of Exemption has been prepared for the project. Pursuant to California Government Code Sections 65852.210) and 66411.7(n), the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under Division 13 of the Public Resources Code (commencing with Section 21000). NOTICING All noticing requirements for a public hearing have been completed as required by Section 17.06.110 of the UDC. A 1/81h page advertisement was placed in The Signal newspaper on December 21, 2021. CONCLUSION SB 9 was just recently adopted, and as it begins being implemented across California in early 2022, we will likely see the passage of clean-up bills by the legislature that may impact our local implementation ordinance. Planning Division staff will continue to monitor the state legislation and any changes made to the law, as it pertains to our ability to implement our ordinance, and could come back before the Planning Commission and City Council if it is found that further amendments to the UDC are necessary. The proposed amendments are consistent with state law and allow the City to regulate two -unit residential development and urban lot splits to the maximum extent possible. Many cities are working to adopt similar ordinances in preparation of the proposed amendments. Planning Division staff and the City Attorney's office have looked to other cities to see what controls they are considering. The proposed ordinance is in line with what is being contemplated in other jurisdictions. Staff has drafted the necessary findings of support so the City Council can adopt the proposed ordinance and development design standards. ALTERNATIVE ACTION Other actions as determined by the City Council. FISCAL IMPACT The proposed ordinance creates a new ministerial permit for two -unit residential development and urban lot split. Should the ordinance be adopted by the City Council, a fee will be created, as permitted by state law, to recover the associated costs of reviewing proposed two -unit residential developments and urban lot splits. ATTACHMENTS Public Notice Ordinance Page 4 Packet Pg. 56 O Resolution Notice of Exemption Planning Commission Agenda Report 12-07-2021 (available in the City Clerk's Reading File) Page 5 Packet Pg. 57 9.a o� Sp,�rrq of a U 7 � �6 oECEMBE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Suite 302 Santa Clarita, CA 91355 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PROJECT TITLE: Two -Unit Residential Development and Urban Lot Split Ordinance APPLICATION: Master Case 21-224; Unified Development Code Amendment 21-003 PROJECT APPLICANT: City of Santa Clarita PROJECT LOCATION: Citywide PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The City of Santa Clarita (City) is updating the Unified Development Code to adopt the Two -Unit Residential Development and Urban Lot Split Ordinance, and associated objective design standards, in accordance with state law. California Government Code Section 65852.210) permits a local agency to, by ordinance, provide for regulating the creation of a two -unit residential developments on a parcel zoned to allow a single-family dwelling unit. California Government Code Section 66411.7(n) permits a local agency to, by ordinance, provide for regulating a parcel map for an urban lot split of a single-family zoned parcel. The proposed code amendments would not change the City's General Plan Land Use Map or Zoning Map. The City of Santa Clarita City Council will conduct a public hearing on this matter on the following date DATE: Tuesday, January 11, 2022 TIME: At or after 6:00 p.m. LOCATION: City Hall, Council Chambers 23920 Valencia Blvd., First Floor Santa Clarita, CA 91355 PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: On December 7, 2021 the Planning Commission voted 4-0 (one Commissioner was absent) to adopt a resolution recommending the City Council approve the project to adopt a Two -Unit Residential Development and Urban Lot Split ordinance. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW: A Notice of Exemption was prepared for the proposed project. Pursuant to California Government Code Sections 65852.210) and 66411.7(n), the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under Division 13 of the Public Resources Code (commencing with Section 21000). If you wish to challenge the action taken on this matter in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or written correspondence delivered to the City of Santa Clarita at, or prior to, the public hearings. For further information regarding this proposal, you may contact the Project Planner, by appointment, at the City of Santa Clarita Permit Center: 23920 Valencia Blvd., Suite 140, Santa Clarita, CA 91355. Telephone: (661) 255-4330. Website: www.santa-clarita.com/planning. Send written correspondence via e-mail to eiverson&santa-clarita.com, or by US mail to: City of Santa Clarita Planning Division, 23920 Valencia Blvd., Suite 302, Santa Clarita, CA 91355. Project Planner: Erika Iverson, Associate Planner. Mary Cusick, City Clerk Published: The Signal, December 21, 2021 Packet Pg. 58 9.b ORDINANCE 22- AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA, TO ESTABLISH REGULATIONS FOR TWO -UNIT RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT AND URBAN LOT SPLITS, AMENDING THE UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE AS SHOWN IN EXHIBIT A THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA, DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. FINDINGS OF FACT. The City Council does hereby make the following findings of fact: A. On September 16, 2021, the Governor signed into law Senate Bill (SB) 9, which mandates the City of Santa Clarita (City) ministerially approve two -unit residential developments on parcels zoned for single-family uses, and ministerially approve a parcel map for the lot split of a parcel zoned for single-family use; B. California Government Code Section 65852.210) permits a local agency to, by ordinance, provide for regulating the creation of a two -unit residential developments on a parcel zoned to allow a single-family dwelling unit; C. California Government Code Section 66411.7(n) permits a local agency to, by ordinance, provide for regulating a parcel map for an urban lot split of a single-family zoned parcel; D. California Government Code Sections 65852.21(b) and 66411.7(c) permits a local agency to impose objective zoning standards, objective subdivision standards, and objective design review standards for two -unit residential development and urban lot split projects; E. The proposed amendments are incorporated by reference as Exhibit A; F. The proposed amendments are in compliance with State law and provide the City with local control over the implementation of two -unit residential developments and urban lot splits; G. The proposed amendments incorporate by reference, two -unit residential design standards, adopted under separate resolution; H. The Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing on this issue commencing on December 7, 2021, at, or after, 6:00 p.m. at City Hall, 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita, California; I. At the hearing described above, the Planning Commission considered a staff presentation, the staff report, and public testimony on the proposed amendments, and in a 4-0 vote, recommended the City Council approve Master Case 21-224, Unified Development Code a� 0 r a� E t a Page 1 of 8 Packet Pg. 59 9.b Amendment 21-003; The project was duly noticed in accordance with the public hearing noticing requirements of the UDC, and a 1/8 h page advertisement was placed in The Signal Newspaper on December 21, 2021. K. The City Council held a duly noticed public hearing on this issue commencing on January 11, 2022, at, or after, 6:00 p.m. at City Hall, 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita, California; and L. At the hearing described above, the City Council considered a staff presentation, the staff report, and public testimony on the proposed amendments, and introduced and passed the ordinance to a second reading on January 25, 2022. In addition, the City Council adopted two -unit residential development design standards by separate resolution. SECTION 2. CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT FINDINGS. Based upon the foregoing facts and findings, the City Council hereby finds as follows: A. A Notice of Exemption for this project was prepared in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA); B. The project is exempt from CEQA. California Government Code Sections 65852.210) and 66411.7(n), exempt adoption of an ordinance to implement California Government Code Sections 65852.21 and 66411.7 from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under Division 13 of the Public Resources Code (commencing with Section 21000); C. The documents and other material which constitute the record of proceedings upon which the decision of the City Council is made is the Master Case 21-224 project file located 6 within the Community Development Department and is in the custody of the Director of Community Development; and a� D. Based upon the findings set forth above, the City Council hereby finds the Notice of c Exemption for this project has been prepared in compliance with CEQA. O r SECTION 3. GENERAL FINDINGS FOR MASTER CASE 21-224. Based on the foregoing facts and findings for Master Case 21-224, the City Council hereby finds as follows: A. The proposal is consistent with the General Plan; a The project is consistent with the General Plan's objectives, policies, and procedures. The proposed amendments will assist the City in regulating two -unit residential developments and urban lot splits as required by State law. The proposed amendments, including objective development standards will support development of two -unit residential development on parcels zoned for single-family uses and urban lot splits of Page 2 of 8 Packet Pg. 60 9.b 1.9 C 1101 parcels zoned for single-family uses that are consistent with the City's General Plan objectives, policies, and procedures, including providing diverse housing stock, promoting affordable housing, reducing the impact to residential neighborhoods from natural or man-made hazards, ensuring sufficient emergency access and evacuation routes in areas subject to wildland fire danger, retaining open space for multifamily residential units, requiring high quality architecture, and implementing flood and fire safety measures. The proposal is allowed within the applicable underlying zone and complies with all other applicable provisions of this code; The UDC amendments do not require a consistency finding with the existing development code because the project would amend the UDC in general. In addition, State law, California Government Code Section 65852.21, preempts the density limitation established by the General Plan and underlying zones. This means that units created pursuant to SB9, do not count toward residential zoning density and are consistent with zoning. The proposal will not endanger, jeopardize, or otherwise constitute a hazard to the public convenience, health, interest, safety, or general welfare, or be materially detrimental or injurious to the improvements, persons, property, or uses in the vicinity and zone in which the property is located; and Nothing contained in the proposed amendments would endanger, jeopardize, or otherwise constitute a hazard to the public. Two -unit residential development and urban lot splits are permitted by right under State law. Implementation of the proposed amendments would minimize the potential hazard to the public from flood and fire danger compared to State standards, and implement the goals, policies, and objectives of the General Plan Safety Element to the extent feasible under State law. The proposal is physically suitable for the site. The factors related to the proposal's physical suitability for the site shall include, but are not limited to, the following: _ 1. The design, location, shape, size, and operating characteristics are suitable for the -o O proposed use; a� 2. The highways or streets that provide access to the site are ofsufcient width and are improved as necessary to carry the kind and quantity oftraffic such proposal would r r generate; a 3. Public protection service (e.g., Fire protection, Sher protection, etc) are readily available; and 4. The provision of utilities (e.g. potable water, schools, solid waste collection and disposal, storm drainage, wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal, etc.) is Page 3 of 8 Packet Pg. 61 9.b adequate to serve the site. The proposal is physically suitable for the site in terms of location, shape, size, and operating characteristics. The amendments permit ministerial approval of two -unit residential developments and urban lots splits as mandated by State law, and as described above, State law requires that the City find that two -unit residential developments and urban lot splits are appropriate for single-family residential zoned property. No development is proposed or would be approved by the amendments, and any future development that may occur under the revised amendments would require separate ministerial reviews at the time the projects are submitted. The City currently receives adequate service from the Los Angeles County Fire Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. The project area is likewise served by all applicable utilities. The construction of two -unit residential development and urban lot splits may increase the need for fire or police protection services or demand for utilities. However, are permitted by State law, regardless of whether the City regulates them and, therefore, nothing in the proposed amendments would increase the need for fire or police protection services, or increase demand for utilities. SECTION 4. ADDITIONAL FINDINGS FOR UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENT 21-003. Based upon the foregoing facts and findings for UDC 21-003, the City Council hereby find as follows: A. The amendment is consistent with the adjacent area, ifapplicable; B. The amendment is consistent with the principles of the General Plan; The proposed amendments are consistent with the adjacent area and consistent with the principles of the General Plan. The proposed amendments would not alter the General Plan Land Use Map or Zoning Map. As described above, two -unit residential development and urban lot splits are considered by State law to be consistent with the City's zoning. Construction of two -unit residential developments and urban lot splits as mandated by State law could increase development densities or population projections within the City; however, the proposed amendments would not further change development densities or population projections for the City. Specifically, the proposed amendments would implement the following objectives and policies of the General Plan: Objective L U 3.1: Provide for a diversity of housing types available to provide safe and suitable homes for all economic levels, household sizes, age groups and special needs groups within the community. Policy L U 3.1.1: On the Land Use Map, designate adequate land for residential use at various densities to provide a mix ofhousing opportunities for all segments of the population, including attached, detached, senior, and mixed -use housing types, which are consistent with r a Page 4 of 8 Packet Pg. 62 9.b community character and meet the region's housing goals. Policy L U 3.1.2: Provide a mix of housing types within neighborhoods that accommodate households with varied income levels. Policy L U 3.1.5: Promote development of housing that is affordable to residents, including households with incomes in the very low, low, and moderate income classifications, through provision of adequate sites on the Land Use Map, allowance for density bonuses and other development incentives. Objective L U 3.3: Ensure that the design of residential neighborhoods considers and includes measures to reduce impacts from natural or man-made hazards. Policy L U 3.3.1: Identify areas subject to hazards from seismic activity, unstable soils, excessive noise, unhealthful air quality, or flooding, and avoid designating residential uses in these areas unless adequately mitigated. Policy L U 3.3.2: In areas subject to wildland fire danger, ensure that land uses have adequate setbacks, fuel modification areas, and emergency access routes. Policy L U 3.4.8: Require architectural design treatment along all sides of new housing to promote continuity of architectural scale and rhythm and avoid the appearance of blank walls (360-degree enhancement). The proposed amendments are consistent with the objectives and policies listed above. Two -unit residential developments and urban lot splits provide diversity in the local housing stock, increasing the number of homes available. The proposed amendments incorporate important regulations not addressed by the general State regulations. These regulations include reducing the impacts to residential neighborhoods from natural or man-made hazards, ensuring sufficient emergency access and evacuation routes are provided in areas subject to wildland fire danger, ensuring development of affordable housing units for lower income households, and promoting architectural design consistent with the existing community. The proposed amendments are also consistent with the Circulation Element and Safety Element of the General Plan, including the following Circulation and Safety objectives and policies. Objective C 2.5: Consider the needs for emergency access in transportation planning. Policy C 2.5.2: Ensure that new development is provided with adequate emergency r a Page 5 of 8 Packet Pg. 63 9.b andlor secondary access for purposes of evacuation and emergency response; require two points of ingress and egress for every subdivision or phase thereof, except as otherwise approved for small subdivisions where physical constraints preclude a second access point. Objective S 2.4: Implement flood safety measures in new development. Policy S 2.4.1: Require that new development comply with FEMA floodplain management requirements. Policy S 2.4.2: On the Land Use Map, restrict the type and intensity of land use in flood prone areas, or require flood proof construction, as deemed appropriate. Objective S 3.2: Provide for the specialized needs office protection services in both urban and wildland interface areas. Policy S 3.2.1: Identify areas of the Santa Clarita Valley that are prone to wildland fire hazards, and address these areas in fire safety plans. Policy S 3.2.5: Ensure adequate secondary and emergency access for fire apparatus, which includes minimum requirements for road width, surface material, grade, and staging areas. The proposed amendments support the City's goals to provide for adequate emergency access, including providing secondary access for evacuation and emergency response; implementation of flood safety measures and compliance with Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) floodplain management requirements; and consideration of wildland fire hazards. C. Approval of the amendment will be in the interest ofpublic health, convenience, safety, and general welfare and in conformity with good zoning practice; UDC 21-003 supports the public health, convenience, safety, and general welfare of the community, and is in conformity with good zoning practice because the proposed r amendments would be consistent with State law and would allow the City to regulate a two -unit residential developments and urban lot splits to the maximum extent possible. t This will allow the City to maximize public health, convenience, safety, and general welfare, and maximize conformance with good zoning practice. Q D. The amendment is consistent with other applicable provisions of this code; and E. Is necessary to implement the General Plan andlor that the public convenience, the general welfare or good zoning practice justifies such action. UDC 21-003 is consistent with the applicable provisions of the UDC because the Page 6 of 8 Packet Pg. 64 9.b proposed revisions would allow the City to best regulate two -unit residential developments and urban lots splits as permitted by State law. Therefore, the amendments would promote the general welfare and public convenience and would constitute good zoning practice. SECTION 5. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Santa Clarita, California, as follows: Adopt Ordinance 22-, approving Master Case 21-224, consisting of Unified Development Code Amendment 21-003, amending the Unified Development Code to establish regulations for two -unit residential development and urban lot splits, as shown in Exhibit A. PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 25t' day of January, 2022. MAYOR ATTEST: r CITY CLERK = a� .N a� r STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) 0 COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) ss. CITY OF SANTA CLARITA ) a� I, Mary Cusick, City Clerk of the City of Santa Clarita, do hereby certify that the c foregoing Ordinance 22- was regularly introduced and placed upon its first reading at a regular meeting of the City Council on the 11t' day of January, 2022. That thereafter, said ordinance was duly passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council on the 25t' of January 2022, by E the following vote of the City Council: AYES: COUNCIL,MEMBERS: a NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: CITY CLERK Page 7 of 8 Packet Pg. 65 9.b AND I FURTHER CERTIFY that the foregoing is the original of Ordinance No. 22- and was published in The Signal newspaper in accordance with State Law (G.C. 40806). CITY CLERK Y Q Page 8 of 8 Packet Pg. 66 9.b EXHIBIT A Q Packet Pg. 67 9.b 17.57.025 Two -unit residential developments. A. Purpose and Findings. 1. The purpose of this section is to provide regulations for the establishment of two -unit residential developments in single-family residential zones and to define an approval process for such two -unit residential developments consistent with Government Code Sections 65852.21, or any successor statute. The intent of this section is to provide opportunities for more affordable housing in existing single-family residential zones as mandated by state law. It is also the goal to provide development standards to ensure the orderly development of these units in appropriate areas of the City. 2. Two -unit residential developments are residential uses consistent with the uses permitted in single-family residential zones. 3. Government Code Section 65852.21 preempts the density limitations established by the General Plan and the underlying zones in which two -unit residential developments created pursuant to the requirements of this subsection are permitted. Incompatibility with the City's density limitations shall not provide a basis to deny a two -unit residential development that otherwise conforms to the requirements of this section. B. A two -unit residential development containing two residential units within a single-family residential zone (NU1, NU2, NU3, NU4, NU5, URI, UR2) shall be considered ministerially, without discretionary review or a hearing, if the proposed housing meets all of the standards set forth below. For purposes of this section, a two -unit residential development contains two residential units if the development proposes two new units or if it proposes to add one new unit to one existing unit. d M 1. If a parcel includes an existing single-family residence, one additional unit of not more L than 800 square feet may be developed pursuant to this section. No more than 25 percent of o r the existing exterior structural walls shall be demolished to create the two -unit residential development, unless the existing single-family residence has not been occupied by a tenant in the last three years. a 2. If a parcel does not include an existing single-family residence, or if an existing single- family residence is proposed to be demolished in connection with the creation of a two -unit residential development, two units of not more than 800 square feet may be developed pursuant to this section. Packet Pg. 68 9.b 3. Each unit in a two -unit residential development shall be separated by a distance of at least ten feet from any other structure on the parcel; however, units may be adjacent or connected if the structures meet building code safety standards and are sufficient to allow separate conveyance. 4. Neither accessory dwelling units nor junior accessory dwelling units shall be permitted on a parcel if a two -unit development is proposed or has been approved. C. A two -unit residential development shall be prohibited in each of the following circumstances: 1. The two -unit residential development would require demolition or alteration of any of the following types of housing: a. Housing that is subject to a recorded covenant, ordinance, or law that restricts rents to levels affordable to persons and families of moderate, low, or very low income. b. Housing that is subject to any form of rent or price control through a public entity's valid exercise of its police power. c. Housing that has been occupied by a tenant in the last three years. 2. The parcel subject to the proposed housing development is a parcel on which an owner of residential real property has exercised the owner's rights under Government Code Section 7060 et seq. to withdraw accommodations from rent or lease within 15 years before the date that the development proponent submits an application. 3. The parcel subject to the proposed housing development is located within a historic a� district or property included on the State Historic Resources Inventory, as defined in Public Resources Code Section 5020.1, or within a site that is designated or listed as a city or L county landmark or historic property or district pursuant to a city or county ordinance. 0 r a� 4. If the two -unit residential development is on a parcel that is any of the following: U a. Either prime farmland or farmland of statewide importance, as defined pursuant to a United States Department of Agriculture land inventory and monitoring criteria, as modified for California, and designated on the maps prepared by the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the Department of Conservation, or land zoned or designated for agricultural protection or preservation by a local ballot measure that was approved by the voters of that jurisdiction. Packet Pg. 69 9.b b. Wetlands, as defined in the United States Fish and Wildlife Service Manual, Part 660 FW 2 (June 21, 1993). c. Within a very high fire hazard severity zone, as determined by the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection pursuant to Government Code Section 51178, or within a high or very high fire hazard severity zone as indicated on maps adopted by the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection pursuant to Section 4202 of the Public Resources Code. This subparagraph does not apply to sites excluded from the specified hazard zones by a local agency, pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 51179 of the Government Code, or sites that have adopted fire hazard mitigation measures pursuant to existing building standards or state fire mitigation measures applicable to the development. Any site that meets the standards above must also comply with Section 15.57.025(C)(5)(two means of access). d. A hazardous waste site that is listed pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5 or a hazardous waste site designated by the Department of Toxic Substances Control pursuant to Section 25356 of the Health and Safety Code, unless the State Department of Public Health, State Water Resources Control Board, or Department of Toxic Substances Control has cleared the site for residential use or residential mixed uses. e. Within a delineated earthquake fault zone as determined by the State Geologist in a any official maps published by the State Geologist, unless the development complies with applicable seismic protection building code standards adopted by the California Building Standards Commission under the California Building Standards Law (Part o 3 2.5 (commencing with Section 18901) of Division 13 of the Health and Safety Code), and by any local building department under Chapter 12.2 (commencing with Section 8875) of Division 1 of Title 2. _ L O f. Within a special flood hazard area subject to inundation by the 1 percent annual chance flood (100-year flood) as determined by the Federal Emergency Management E t Agency in any official maps published by the Federal Emergency Management r r Agency. If a development proponent is able to satisfy all applicable federal qualifying Q criteria in order to provide that the site satisfies this subparagraph and is otherwise eligible for streamlined approval under this section, a local government shall not deny the application on the basis that the development proponent did not comply with any additional permit requirement, standard, or action adopted by that local government that is applicable to that site. A development may be located on a site described in this Packet Pg. 70 9.b subparagraph if either of the following are met: (i) The site has been subject to a Letter of Map Revision prepared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and issued to the local jurisdiction; or (ii) The site meets Federal Emergency Management Agency requirements necessary to meet minimum flood plain management criteria of the National Flood Insurance Program pursuant to Part 59 (commencing with Section 59.1) and Part 60 (commencing with Section 60.1) of Subchapter B of Chapter I of Title 44 of the Code of Federal Regulations. g. Within a regulatory floodway as determined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in any official maps published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, unless the development has received a no -rise certification in accordance with Section 60.3(d)(3) of Title 44 of the Code of Federal Regulations. If a development proponent is able to satisfy all applicable federal qualifying criteria in order to provide that the site satisfies this subparagraph and is otherwise eligible for streamlined approval under this section, a local government shall not deny the application on the basis that the development proponent did not comply with any additional permit requirement, standard, or action adopted by that local government that is applicable to that site. h. Lands identified for conservation in an adopted natural community conservation plan pursuant to the Natural Community Conservation Planning Act (Chapter 10 (commencing with Section 2800) of Division 3 of the Fish and Game Code), habitat conservation plan pursuant to the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. Sec. 1531 et seq.), or other adopted natural resource protection plan. i. Habitat for protected species identified as candidate, sensitive, or species of special status by state or federal agencies, fully protected species, or species protected by the = �a federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. Sec. 1531 et seq.), the California p Endangered Species Act (Chapter 1.5 (commencing with Section 2050) of Division 3 of the Fish and Game Code), or the Native Plant Protection Act (Chapter 10 U (commencing with Section 1900) of Division 2 of the Fish and Game Code). a j. Lands under conservation easement. 5. Where a lot or any portion thereof is located in a high fire hazard severity zone, as defined by the Los Angeles County Fire Department, a two -unit residential development shall be prohibited on the lot unless it either fronts a highway and vehicles enter directly from the highway (as Packet Pg. 71 9.b defined in Table C-2 of the General Plan Circulation Element), or it has two (2) means of direct vehicular access to a highway that meet the following requirements: a. The two (2) distinct means of vehicular access, as measured from the lot frontage to the point of intersection with the highway, shall not overlap with each other; and b. Each distinct means of vehicular access shall contain a paved or unpaved road of at least twenty-four (24) feet in width, exclusive of sidewalks, landscaping, and parking lanes. D. Any construction of a two -unit residential development shall conform to all property development regulations of the zone in which the property is located including, but not limited to, height limits, setback, lot coverage, landscape, and floor area ratio (FAR), as well as all fire, health, safety and building provisions of this title, subject to the following exceptions: 1. No setback shall be required for an existing structure or a structure constructed in the same location and to the same dimensions as an existing structure. Verification of size and location of the existing and proposed structure by City staff requires pre- and post - construction surveys by a California licensed land surveyor. 2. For all other dwelling units proposed in connection with a two -unit residential development, a minimum setback of four feet, or the applicable setback for the zone district, whichever is less, is required from the rear and side property lines. All other setbacks shall be subject to the underlying zone. 3. Limits on lot coverage, floor area ratio, open space, and size must permit at least two units of at least 800 square feet in connection with a two -unit residential development. 4. New dwelling units proposed in connection with a two -unit residential development O shall be no more than one-story and shall not exceed 16 feet, or the height of any existing dwelling unit that is to remain, whichever is most restrictive. A second unit shall not be E t constructed as a second story on top of an existing unit. a (1) Exceptions: Projects that are exempt from the one-story height limit due to the 800- square foot exemption must not exceed 25 feet in height with a maximum top plate height (interior ceiling height) of 18 feet. If a third floor is necessary to meet the 800-square foot requirement the third floor must be completely subterranean; the ceiling must be below the natural grade. Packet Pg. 72 9.b (2) Second Floor Stepbacks: Projects that are exempt from the one-story height limit due to the 800-square foot exemption, must stepback the second and third floor four feet from the ground floor. This rule applies to only to the side yard, rear yard, and street side yard elevations. 5. Private Outdoor Space: A minimum of six hundred fifty (650) square feet of outdoor yard space shall be provided for each unit in a two -unit residential development. Land required for front yard setbacks, or occupied by buildings, driveways, or parking spaces may not be counted in satisfying this outdoor space requirement. 6. For a two -unit residential development connected to an onsite wastewater treatment system, the applicant shall provide a percolation test completed within the last 5 years, or, if the percolation test has been recertified, within the last 10 years. 7. All dwelling units created in connection with a two -unit residential development shall have independent exterior access. 8. For applications that do not involve an urban lot split subdivision pursuant to Chapter 16.28, one of the dwellings on the lot must be the bona fide principal residence of at least one legal owner of the lot containing the dwelling, as evidenced at the time of approval of the two -unit residential development by appropriate documents of title and residency. Prior to the issuance of a building permit, the applicant shall provide evidence that a Two -Unit Residential Development Covenant has been recorded stating that one of the dwelling units on the lot shall remain owner occupied. 9. A rental of any unit in a two -unit residential development shall be rented for a term of a� longer than thirty days. 10. Parking. At least one fully enclosed parking space per unit is required, except that p parking is not required if the parcel is located within one-half mile walking distance of either a high -quality transit corridor, as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 21155 of the Public Resources Code, or a major transit stop, as defined in Section 21064.3 of the Public a Resources Code, or if there is a car share vehicle located within one block of the parcel The parking space must maintain a minimum area of ten (10) feet wide by twenty (20) feet deep to remain clear and free of all obstructions. Packet Pg. 73 9.b 11. Two -unit residential developments shall provide a new or separate utility connection directly between each dwelling unit and the utility. The connection may be subject to a connection fee or capacity charge. 12. Two -unit residential developments shall be required to provide fire sprinklers. 13. Trash Collection: Each unit in a two -unit residential development shall be required to provide space for three, 90-gallon trash carts. Trash carts must be stored out of public view from the street and may not be located within the required front yard setback. 14. Oak Tree Preservation: The addition of or new construction of a dwelling unit shall not remove any oak tree measuring twelve and one-half (12 1/z) inches in circumference when measured at a point four and one-half (4 '/2) feet above the tree's natural grade. A removal includes removing a tree or removing more than one-third of a tree's vegetation. In addition to preservation of the tree, the owner must record a covenant showing the location of the oak tree, stating that all reasonable precautions have been made to preserve the oak tree, requiring all trimming of the tree to be overseen by a licensed arborist, prohibiting the tree from being topped, and that the City must approve of any removal of the tree. If removal of a tree is required in order to provide a minimum 800 square foot unit, the owner must meet the mitigation requirements of Section 17.51.040 (13)(3)(e). 15. Hillside Development. Projects with slopes which average ten (10%) or greater shall conform to the development standards for Hillside Development Review (Section 17.51.020(C)). 16. Ridgeline Preservation Overlay Zone. Projects located within the Ridgeline a� Preservation (RP) overlay zone shall conform to the property development standards for the RP overlay zone (Section 17.38.070(D)). L 0 17 At least one unit in a two -unit residential development shall be income restricted for a period of fifty-five (55) years to provide for lower income households as defined in Section 50079.5 of the Health and Safety Code. a 18. Exceptions to Objective Standards: Any objective zoning standards, objective subdivision standards, and objective design standards that would have the effect of physically precluding the construction of up to two units or that would physically preclude either of the two units from being at least 800 square feet in floor area must be set aside. Packet Pg. 74 9.b Objective zoning standards will be set aside in the following order until the site can contain two, 800 square foot units. (1) Lot Coverage (2) Second Floor Stepbacks (3) Private Outdoor Space (4) Fully Enclosed Parking (5) Oak Tree Preservation (6) Maximum Number of Stories. If waiving of all the above requirements do not provide for an 800 square foot unit, the building may exceed the maximum number of stories. After exceeding the maximum number of stories, the applicant must then replace the above objective standards in the opposite order until the unit size is reduced to 800 square feet. E. Objective Design Standards. Any construction of a two -unit residential development shall comply with the adopted Two -Unit Residential Development Design Standards. F. Application Requirements. 1. Applicant must submit a title report and affidavit demonstrating compliance with this 17.57.025(D)(7). 2. Where applicable, applicant must submit documentation demonstrating homeowners association approval of application. 3. Fees. Permit fees imposed on two -unit residential developments and urban lot splits shall be established by City Council Resolution. G. Review of Application. 1. Applications for two -unit residential developments conforming to the requirements of this section shall be considered ministerially without discretionary review or a hearing by the director of community development. Incomplete applications will be returned with an explanation of what additional information is required. a Packet Pg. 75 9.b 2. A proposed two -unit residential development may be denied if the director of community development makes a written finding, based upon a preponderance of the evidence, that the proposed housing development project would have a specific, adverse impact, as defined and determined in paragraph (2) of subdivision (d) of Section 65589.5 of the Government Code, upon public health and safety or the physical environment and for which there is no feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid the specific, adverse impact. 3. Prior to occupancy, the City Manager, or designee, shall approve an Affordable Housing Regulatory Agreement governing and encumbering the two -unit residential development and ensuring long-term affordability of the income -restricted unit pursuant to Section 17.57.025(D)(15). The Affordable Housing Regulatory Agreement shall be executed by the City Manager, or designee, and the applicant prior to occupancy. H. Prior to the issuance of a building permit for a two -unit residential development dwelling unit, the property owner shall record a Two -Unit Residential Development Covenant with the County Recorder's Office, the form and content of which is satisfactory to the City Attorney. The covenant shall notify future owners of the owner occupancy requirements, the approved size and attributes of the units, and minimum rental period restrictions. This covenant shall remain in effect so long as a two -unit residential development exists on the parcel. L In cases of conflict between this section and any other provision of this title, the provisions of this section shall prevail. To the extent that any provision of this section is in conflict with State law, the applicable provision of State law shall control, but all other provisions of this section shall remain in full force and effect. Q Packet Pg. 76 9.b Chapter 16.28 URBAN LOT SPLIT SUBDIVISION REQUIREMENTS 16.28.010 Urban lot split subdivision. No person shall create an urban lot split subdivision except by the filing of an urban lot split map approved pursuant to this title and the Subdivision Map Act. 16.28.020 Preparation of urban lot split map. The urban lot split map shall be prepared by or under the direction of a registered civil engineer or licensed land surveyor, shall show the location of streets and property lines bounding the property and: A. Shall conform to all of the following provisions the provisions of Section 66445 of the Subdivision Map Act. B. Shall be based upon a field survey made in conformity with the Land Surveyors Act. (Gov Code § 66448) 16.28.030 Application. A. A subdivider applying for an urban lot split subdivision plat shall file an application with the Department of Community Development, together with copies of an urban lot split map. An applicant for an urban lot split subdivision shall sign and submit with the application an affidavit stating that the applicant intends to occupy one of the housing units as their principal residence for a minimum of three (3) years from the date of the approval of the urban lot split. An affidavit shall not be required of an applicant that is either a "community land trust" or a "qualified nonprofit corporation" as defined in the Revenue and Taxation Code. If the applicant is not a natural person, _ �a the applicant shall submit an ownership disclosure. O r B. The Department of Community Development shall not accept an application or map for E t processing unless the Department finds that the urban lot split map is consistent with the zoning r provisions of this code and that all approvals and permits required by the city zoning provisions Q for the project have been given or issued. C. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection B of this section, an urban lot split map may be processed concurrently with documents, permits or approvals required by the zoning provisions of this code, if the applicant first waives the time limits for processing, approving or Packet Pg. 77 9.b conditionally approving or disapproving an urban lot split map provided by this title or the Subdivision Map Act. 16.28.040 Information to be filed with urban lot split map. Such information as may be prescribed by the rules and regulations approved by the city council pursuant to Section 17.25 and such additional information as the Department of Community Development may find necessary with respect to any particular case to implement the provisions of this title shall accompany the urban lot split map at the time of submission, including a certificate of an engineer or land surveyor in accordance with Section 66449 of the Subdivision Map Act, and a certificate in accordance with Section 66450 of the Subdivision Map Act relating to unincorporated territory. 16.28.050 Requirements for urban lot split map. The Department of Community Development shall ministerially approve a parcel map for an urban lot split only if the Department of Community Development determines that the parcel map for the urban lot split meets all of the following requirements: A. Both newly created parcels shall be no smaller than 1,200 square feet. B. Both newly created parcels shall be of approximately equal lot area, which for purposes of this paragraph shall mean that one parcel shall not be smaller than 40 percent of the lot area of the original parcel proposed for subdivision. C. Unit size shall be not greater than 800 square feet. D. The parcel being subdivided is located within the NU1, NU2, NU3, NU4, NUS, UR1, and UR2 zones. E. The parcel being subdivided is not located on a site that is any of the following: 1. Either prime farmland or farmland of statewide importance, as defined pursuant to United States Department of Agriculture land inventory and monitoring criteria, as modified for California, and designated on the maps prepared by the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the Department of Conservation, or land zoned or designated for agricultural protection or preservation by a local ballot measure that was approved by the voters of that jurisdiction. 2. Wetlands, as defined in the United States Fish and Wildlife Service Manual, Part 660 FW 2 (June 21, 1993). a Packet Pg. 78 9.b 3. Within a very high fire hazard severity zone, as determined by the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code, or within a high or very high fire hazard severity zone as indicated on maps adopted by the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection pursuant to Section 4202 of the Public Resources Code. This subparagraph does not apply to sites excluded from the specified hazard zones by a local agency, pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 51179 of the Government Code, or sites that have adopted fire hazard mitigation measures pursuant to existing building standards or state fire mitigation measures applicable to the development. 4. A hazardous waste site that is listed pursuant to Section 65962.5 of the Government Code or a hazardous waste site designated by the Department of Toxic Substances Control pursuant to Section 25356 of the Health and Safety Code, unless the State Department of Public Health, State Water Resources Control Board, or Department of Toxic Substances Control has cleared the site for residential use or residential mixed uses. 5. Within a delineated earthquake fault zone as determined by the State Geologist in any official maps published by the State Geologist, unless the development complies with applicable seismic protection building code standards adopted by the California Building Standards Commission under the California Building Standards Law (Part 2.5 (commencing with Section 18901) of Division 13 of the Health and Safety Code), and by any local building department under Chapter 12.2 (commencing with Section 8875) of Division 1 of Title 2 of the Government Code. 6. Within a special flood hazard area subject to inundation by the 1 percent annual chance flood (100-year flood) as determined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in any official maps published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. If 0 a development proponent is able to satisfy all applicable federal qualifying criteria in 3: order to provide that the site satisfies this subparagraph and is otherwise eligible for 0 streamlined approval under this section, a local government shall not deny the application c on the basis that the development proponent did not comply with any additional permit c requirement, standard, or action adopted by that local government that is applicable to that site. A development may be located on a site described in this subparagraph if either of the following are met: t (i) The site has been subject to a Letter of Map Revision prepared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and issued to the local jurisdiction. a (ii) The site meets Federal Emergency Management Agency requirements necessary to meet minimum flood plain management criteria of the National Flood Insurance Program pursuant to Part 59 (commencing with Section 59.1) and Part 60 (commencing with Section 60.1) of Subchapter B of Chapter I of Title 44 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Packet Pg. 79 9.b 7. Within a regulatory floodway as determined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in any official maps published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, unless the development has received a no -rise certification in accordance with Section 60.3(d)(3) of Title 44 of the Code of Federal Regulations. If a development proponent is able to satisfy all applicable federal qualifying criteria in order to provide that the site satisfies this subparagraph and is otherwise eligible for streamlined approval under this section, a local government shall not deny the application on the basis that the development proponent did not comply with any additional permit requirement, standard, or action adopted by that local government that is applicable to that site. 8. Lands identified for conservation in an adopted natural community conservation plan pursuant to the Natural Community Conservation Planning Act (Chapter 10 (commencing with Section 2800) of Division 3 of the Fish and Game Code), habitat conservation plan pursuant to the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. Sec. 1531 et seq.), or other adopted natural resource protection plan. 9. Habitat for protected species identified as candidate, sensitive, or species of special status by state or federal agencies, fully protected species, or species protected by the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. Sec. 1531 et seq.), the California Endangered Species Act (Chapter 1.5 (commencing with Section 2050) of Division 3 of the Fish and Game Code), or the Native Plant Protection Act (Chapter 10 (commencing with Section 1900) of Division 2 of the Fish and Game Code). 10. Lands under conservation easement. 11. Where a lot or any portion thereof is located in a high fire hazard severity zone, as defined by the Los Angeles County Fire Department, an urban lot split shall be prohibited c unless it either fronts a highway and vehicles enter directly from the highway (as defined :? 0 in Table C-2 of the General Plan Circulation Element), or it has two (2) means of direct vehicular access to a highway that meet the following requirements: a. The two (2) distinct means of vehicular access, as measured from the lot L frontage to the point of intersection with the highway, shall not overlap with each r other; and t b. Each distinct means of vehicular access shall contain a paved or unpaved road of at least twenty-four (24) feet in width, exclusive of sidewalks, landscaping, and a parking lanes. F. The proposed urban lot split would not require demolition or alteration of any of the following types of housing: 1. Housing that is subject to a recorded covenant, ordinance, or law that restricts rents to Packet Pg. 80 9.b levels affordable to persons and families of moderate, low, or very low income. 2. Housing that is subject to any form of rent or price control through a public entity's valid exercise of its police power. 3. A parcel or parcels on which an owner of residential real property has exercised the owner's rights under Government Code section 7060, et seq. to withdraw accommodations from rent or lease within 15 years before the date that the development proponent submits an application under this Chapter. 4. Housing that has been occupied by a tenant in the last three years. G. The parcel is not located within a historic district or property included on the State Historic Resources Inventory, as defined in Section 5020.1 of the Public Resources Code, or within a site that is designated or listed as a city or county landmark or historic property or district pursuant to a city or county ordinance. H. The parcel has not been established through prior exercise of an urban lot split as provided for in this Chapter. L Neither the owner of the parcel being subdivided nor any person acting in concert with the owner has previously subdivided an adjacent parcel using an urban lot split as provided for in this Chapter. J. All easements required for the provision of public services and facilities shall be dedicated or conveyed by an instrument in a form acceptable to the Department of Community Development. K. Units constructed on an urban lot split subdivision approved pursuant to this chapter shall be a� subject to and comply with the minimum setback requirements specified in Section 17.57.025(D) L. Units constructed on an urban lot split subdivision approved pursuant to this chapter shall not p exceed sixteen feet (16') in height measured from preexisting grade or finished grade, whichever is lower, to the highest point of the roof. M. Each unit located on a parcel created pursuant to this chapter shall have a minimum ten (10) foot Q wide vehicular ingress and egress to the public right-of-way. N. There shall be no less than one enclosed parking space per unit of off-street parking, except that parking is not required if the parcel is located within one-half mile walking distance of either a high - quality transit corridor, as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 21155 of the Public Resources Code, Packet Pg. 81 9.b or a major transit stop, as defined in Section 21064.3 of the Public Resources Code, or if there is a car share vehicle located within one block of the parcel. The parking space must maintain a minimum area of ten (10) feet wide by twenty (20) feet deep to remain clear and free of all obstructions. O. The uses allowed on a parcel created pursuant to this chapter shall be limited to residential uses. P. Dwelling units constructed on urban lot split subdivision lots shall only be used for rentals of terms of longer than thirty (30) days. Q. Prior to approval of an urban lot split subdivision, the applicant shall have complied with the Two -Unit Development Covenant recording requirement contained in Section 17.57.025(H) R. Each two -unit residential development resulting from approval of an urban lot split shall comply with the development standards contained in Section 17.57.025(D). 16.28.060 Application of Objective Standards. Development proposed on lots created by an urban lot split subdivision shall comply with and all objective zoning standards, objective subdivision standards, and objective design review standards applicable to the parcel based on the underlying zoning, the development standards contained in Section 17.57.025(D), and Section 17.57.025(E) ; provided, however, that the application of such standards shall be reduced if the standards would have the effect of physically precluding the construction of two units on either of the resulting parcels created pursuant to this chapter or would result in a unit size of less than 800 square feet. a� 16.28.070 Grading plan. There shall be filed with each urban lot split map a grading plan showing graded building site L elevations and grading proposed for the creation of building sites or for construction or installation of improvements to serve the subdivision. The grading plan, together with the original topography contours, may be shown on an exhibit to the urban lot split map. The grading plan shall indicate approximate earthwork volumes of proposed excavation and filling Q operations. In the event no grading is proposed, a statement to that effect shall be placed on the urban lot split map. In no event shall grading pursuant to an application submitted under this chapter exceed one hundred (100 ) cubic yards. Packet Pg. 82 9.b 16.28.080 Preliminary title report. There shall be filed with each urban lot split map, a current preliminary title report of the property being subdivided or altered. 16.28.090 Revised urban lot split map. Where a subdivider desires to revise an approved urban lot split map, the subdivider may file with the Department of Community Development, prior to the expiration of the approved urban lot split map, a revised urban lot split map on payment of the fees specified in Section 17.25.110. 16.28.100 Department of Community Development — Duties. The Director of the Department of Community Development or his or her designee is authorized and directed to carry out the following duties, concerning applications for urban lot split maps under this chapter: A. Obtain the recommendations of other city departments, governmental agencies or special districts as may be deemed appropriate or necessary by the Director in order to carry out the provisions of this title; B. Consider all recommendations and the results of all investigations and ministerially approve, or disapprove the application. 16.28.110 Consideration of urban lot split map — Notice of decision. The Department of Community Development shall ministerially approve or disapprove such 3 map. The time limit specified in this paragraph may be extended by mutual consent of the a� applicant and the city. If the urban lot split map is disapproved, the reasons therefor shall be stated in the notice of disapproval. L O 16.28.120 Disapproval of urban lot split map. E t The Department of Community Development shall not approve an urban lot split map under any r of the following circumstances: Q A. The land proposed for division is a lot or parcel which was part of an urban lot split map that the City previously approved. B. The subdivision proposes creation of more than two lots. Packet Pg. 83 9.b C. The Department of Community Development finds that the urban lot split map does not meet the requirements of this code or that all approvals or permits required by this code for the project have not been given or issued. D. Based on a preponderance of the evidence, the building official finds that the proposed housing development project would have a specific, adverse impact, as defined and determined in paragraph (2) of subdivision (d) of Government Code Section 65589.5, upon public health and safety or the physical environment and for which there is no feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid the specific, adverse impact. Any decision to disapprove an urban lot split map shall be accompanied by a finding identifying the applicable, objective requirements imposed by the Subdivision Map Act and this title or the conditions of approval which have not been met or performed. 16.28.130 Transmittal of urban lot split map to County Recorder. After the approval by the City of an urban lot split map, the City Clerk or an agent shall transmit the map to the County Recorder. An urban lot split subject to Section 66493 of the Subdivision Map Act shall be processed in compliance with Government Code Section 66464(b). 16.28.140 Correction and amendment of urban lot split map. Corrections of and amendments to the urban lot split map shall be made pursuant to Section 66469 et seq. of the Act. Y Q Packet Pg. 84 9.c RESOLUTION 22- A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING MASTER CASE 21-224, AND ADOPTING THE TWO -UNIT RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT DESIGN STANDARDS AS SHOWN IN EXHIBIT A. THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA, DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. FINDINGS OF FACT. The City Council does hereby make the following findings of fact: A. On September 16, 2021, the Governor signed into law Senate Bill (SB) 9, which mandates the City of Santa Clarita (City) to ministerially approve two -unit residential developments on parcels zoned for single-family uses, and to ministerially approve a parcel map for the lot split of a parcel zoned for single-family use; B. California Government Code Section 65852.210) permits a local agency to, by ordinance, provide for regulating the creation of a two -unit residential developments on a parcel zoned to allow a single-family dwelling unit; C. California Government Code Section 66411.7(n) permits a local agency to, by ordinance, provide for regulating a parcel map for an urban lot split of a single-family zoned parcel; D. California Government Code Sections 65852.21(b) and 66411.7(c) permits a local agency to impose objective zoning standards, objective subdivision standards, and objective design review standards for two -unit residential development and urban lot split projects; E. The proposed two -unit residential development design standards (development design standards) are attached as Exhibit B; F. The proposed development design standards are in compliance with State law and provide the City with criteria for the architectural design of two -unit residential development for the purposes of implementing two -unit residential developments and urban lot splits in conformance with Unified Development Code (UDC) Amendment 21- 003, adopted under separate ordinance; G. The Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing on this issue commencing on December 7, 2021, at, or after, 6:00 p.m. at City Hall, 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita, California; and H. At the hearing described above, the Planning Commission considered a staff presentation, the staff report, and public testimony on the proposed development design standards, and in a 4-0 vote, recommended the City Council approve Master Case 21-224 and its associated entitlements; Page 1 of 3 Packet Pg. 85 9.c I. The project was duly noticed in accordance with the public hearing noticing requirements of the UDC, and a 1/8d' page advertisement was placed in The Signal Newspaper on December 21, 2021; The City Council held a duly noticed public hearing on this issue commencing on January 11, 2022, at, or after, 6:00 p.m. at City Hall, 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita, California; and K. At the hearing described above, the City Council considered a staff presentation, the staff report, and public testimony on the proposed amendments, and introduced and passed to second reading an ordinance to regulate two -unit residential developments and urban lot splits. These Development Design Standards (Exhibit B) would support the ordinance by providing objective architectural criteria to regulate two -unit residential development. SECTION 2. NOW, THEREFORE, by the City Council of the City of Santa Clarita, California, does hereby resolve as follows: Adopt Resolution 22-, adopting Two -Unit Residential Development Design Standards as shown in Exhibit B. PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this I Ph day of January, 2022. ATTEST: CITY CLERK DATE: MAYOR Page 2 of 3 Packet Pg. 86 9.c STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) ss. CITY OF SANTA CLARITA ) I, Mary Cusick, City Clerk of the City of Santa Clarita, do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution No. 22-_was duly adopted by the City Council of the City of Santa Clarita at a regular meeting thereof, held on the 1 l'h of January 2022, by the following vote: AYES: COUNCIL,MEMBERS: NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: CITY CLERK Page 3 of 3 Packet Pg. 87 9.c EXHIBIT A r Q Packet Pg. 88 9.c Santa Clarita Two -Unit Residential Development Design Standards The following development design standards apply to a two -unit residential development when the dwelling unit is proposed on a parcel with an existing single-family dwelling unit. a. The new unit shall utilize the same exterior materials and colors as the existing dwelling unit, however, the primary siding shall not be comprised of metal. b. The color and material palette shall be applied to all exterior elevations (360-degree architecture). c. Sloped Roof. The slope of the roof shall match the roof pitch of the existing dwelling unit, but in no case shall the roof pitch be less than an incline of two to twelve (2:12) feet. d. Roof -mounted or installed air conditioners shall be prohibited. This however, shall not preclude the replacement of existing legal roof -mounted air conditioners with new units which are the same dimensions of the original unit. e. Rain gutters, downspouts, vents and other roof protrusions shall be painted to match the adjacent building or roof surface. f. Windows. All exterior windows shall be accented with the same material as the existing unit, except, if no window trim exists on the existing structure, then one of the following window accents shall be incorporated on the new unit: wood trim, stucco foam surround, shutters, window sills, trellis, or awning g. The garage door of any new fully enclosed parking space(s) shall be recessed a minimum of four (4) inches from the exterior wall plane. 2. The following development design standards apply to a two -unit residential development if the parcel does not include an existing single-family residence, or if an existing single-family residence is proposed to be demolished. Packet Pg. 89 9.c a. The new units shall utilize the same exterior material and color palette. b. The color and material palette shall be applied to all exterior elevations (360-degree architecture). c. The roof shall be sloped with a minimum incline of two to twelve (2:12) feet. d. Roof -mounted or installed air conditioners shall be prohibited. e. Rain gutters, downspouts, vents and other roof protrusions shall be painted to match the adjacent building or roof surface. f. The garage door of any new fully enclosed parking space(s) shall be recessed a minimum of four (4) inches from the exterior wall plane. g. Windows. All exterior windows shall be accented with one of the following: wood trim, stucco foam surround, shutters, window sills, trellis, or awning. h. Metal Siding. The primary siding shall not be comprised of metal. r Q Packet Pg. 90 9.d NOTICE OF EXEMPTION TO: FROM: ` [X] Los Angeles County Clerk City of Santa Clarita Business Filings and Registration Community Development P.O. Box 1208 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Suite 4302 ,. •A"r"�� Norwalk, CA 90650 Santa Clarita, CA 91355 [ ] Office of Planning and Research 1400 Tenth Street, Room 121 ' Sacramento, CA 95814 DATE: January 11, 2022 PROJECT NAME: City of Santa Clarita Two -Unit Residential Development and Urban Lot Split Ordinance (Master Case No. 21-224) PROJECT LOCATION: Citywide PROJECT DESCRIPTION: This project consists of amending the City's Unified Development Code through the adoption of a two -unit residential development and urban lot split ordinance. The proposed amendments are in accordance with California Government Code Section 65852.21 and 66411.7. PROJECT APPLICANT: City of Santa Clarita Department of Community Development (Contact: Erika Iverson; 661.255.4962) This is to advise that the [ ] Director of Public Works [ ] Planning Commission [X] City Council of the City of Santa Clarita has approved the above project on January 11, 2022. Review of the project by the Department of Community Development found that the project is exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act. EXEMPT STATUS: Pursuant to California Government Code Sections 65852.210) and 66411.7(n), the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under Division 13 of the Public Resources Code (commencing with Section 21000). As the City is adopting an ordinance to implement the provisions of Government Code Sections 65852.21 and 66411.7, the proposed amendments are exempt from CEQA. Person or agency carrying out the project: City of Santa Clarita This is to certify that the Notice of Exemption with comments/responses and record of project approval is available for public review at: CITY OF SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Suite 9302 Santa Clarita, California 91355 (661) 2554330 Contact Person/Title: Erika Iverson, Associate Planner Signature: Packet Pg. 91 O Agenda Item: 3 1. CITY OF SANTA CLARITA PLANNING COMMISSION %? AGENDA REPORT PUBLIC HEARINGS PLANNING MANAGER APPROVAL: DATE: December 7, 2021 SUBJECT: Two -Unit Residential Development and Urban Lot Split Ordinance (Master Case 21-224) APPLICANT: City of Santa Clarita LOCATION: Citywide CASE PLANNER: Erika Iverson RECOMMENDED ACTION Staff recommends that the Planning Commission: 1) Receive staff s report; 2) Open the public hearing and receive testimony from the public; and 3) Adopt Resolution P21-23 recommending the City Council approve Master Case 21-224, including Unified Development Code Amendment 21-003, to adopt a Two -Unit Residential Development and Urban Lot Split ordinance consistent with California Government Code Sections 65852.21 and 66411.7. BACKGROUND On September 16, 2021, the Governor signed into law, Senate Bill (SB) 9, which goes into effect on January 1, 2022. Senate Bill 9 is one bill, part of the larger California State Senate Housing Package which aims to increase the supply of housing in California. Senate Bill 9 preempts the density limitation established by the local jurisdiction's General Plan and underlying zone and requires ministerial approval of two dwelling units on a parcel zoned for a single-family unit (two -unit residential development), and ministerial approval of a parcel map for a lot split on a parcel zoned for single-family uses (urban lot split), subject to qualifying criteria. The City of Santa Clarita and the League of California Cities opposed the bill. There continue to be opponents to S139, and a ballot initiative has been submitted to the State with the hope to be qualified for the November 2022 ballot, that would amend the California Constitution to provide that a local jurisdiction's land use policies, zoning standards, or Page 1 Packet Pg. 186 O development standards are deemed a municipal affair and shall prevail over a conflicting state statute. If successful, this ballot initiative would allow the City of Santa Clarita's (City) Unified Development Code (UDC) to supersede SB9. However, until such time that there is a successful ballot initiative or change to the State law, S139 will be in effect on January 1, 2022 The City is permitted, pursuant to SB9, to adopt a local ordinance for the purposes of implementing two -unit residential developments and urban lot splits on a parcel zoned to allow a single-family dwelling unit, and may impose objective zoning standards, subdivision standards, and design review standards that do not conflict with SB9. As such, the Planning Division, with support from the City Attorney's Office, has drafted the Two -Unit Residential Development and Urban Lot Split ordinance for consideration. PROJECT AREA The proposed UDC changes would apply Citywide to parcels zoned for single-family use, including Non -Urban (NU) 1, NU2, NU3, NU4 NUS, Urban Residential (UR) 1, and UR2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION Summary The proposed project would update the City's UDC and establish a specific set of development design standards for two -unit residential developments and urban lot splits. The proposed amendments were jointly prepared by the City Attorney's Office and Planning Division staff, and are consistent with what other jurisdictions are proposing in response to S139. The project consists of text amendments only; no changes to the City's General Plan Land Use Map or Zoning Map are proposed. The intent of the code amendments and development design standards is to provide the City with the maximum amount of local control over the development of two - unit residential developments and urban lot splits permitted under State law, while complying with State mandates to provide ministerial approval for these developments on parcels zoned for single-family uses. The proposed code language is attached as Exhibit A and would establish Section 17.57.025 - Two -Unit Residential Development, and Chapter 16.28 - Urban Lot Split Subdivision Requirements. The proposed development design standards are attached as Exhibit B - Two -Unit Residential Development Design Standards and would establish objective design standards for new residential units constructed under SB9. The proposed UDC amendments and development standards require the approval of the City Council to be enacted. Staff is recommending that the Planning Commission recommend to the City Council approval and adoption of the proposed amendments. A public hearing before the City Council has tentatively been scheduled for January 11, 2022. Senate Bill 9 Senate Bill 9 allows two -unit residential development and urban lots splits on a parcel zoned for single-family uses on a ministerial basis, subject to four key areas of regulation including parcel location, displacement of existing units, overdevelopment, and development standards. Page 2 Packet Pg. 187 O Location The parcel must be located in a single-family residential zone. In the City there are seven single-family zoning designations including Non -Urban (NU) 1, NU2, NU3, NU4, NUS, Urban Residential (UR) 1, and UR2, as shown on the Single -Family Zoning Map - Attachment A. The parcel cannot be located in a historic district or be located on a historic property. There are nine designated historic structures/sites in the City; however, none of these are located on properties within a single-family zone. There are no historic districts within the City. The parcel cannot be prime farmland or farmland of statewide importance, wetlands, within a delineated earthquake fault zone, lands within conservation easements or habitat for protected species, within the 100-year flood zone or floodway (unless the project meets certain federal criteria to amend the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) Map), or be a hazardous waste site (unless the site has been cleared for residential uses by the Department of Toxic Substance Control or the State Water Resources Board). These specific instances will be reviewed by staff on a case by case basis; however, it should be noted that new residential construction would have to comply with the applicable regulations for development within these sensitive areas regardless of SB9. The parcel cannot be located within a very -high fire severity zone; however, this exclusion is overridden by an exemption for units in compliance with current building code and fire code standards. Displacement • The project cannot involve the demolition of deed -restricted affordable housing, rent controlled housing, housing that was occupied by a tenant (renter) in the past three years, or housing that was withdrawn from the rental market in the last 15 years pursuant to the Ellis act. Overdevelopment • The applicant (owner) for an urban lot split must occupy one of the units for a minimum of three years. • The owner or another party acting in concert with the owner, cannot perform lot splits on adjacent lots. • The parcel for a lot split cannot have been previously split through SB9. • Short-term rental of any unit created through SB9 is prohibited. All rentals must be for a term of 30 or more days. Development Standards • The City can impose objective subdivision, zoning and design standards so long as the standards would not preclude construction of two -units, or preclude either of the two units from being at least 800 square feet. An objective standard is uniformly verifiable and does not involve personal or subjective judgement. • The City may impose a maximum side and rear setback of four feet. • The City may require a maximum of one parking space per unit except that no parking space shall be required if the parcel is within 1/z mile of a high -quality transit corridor, or major transit stop, or within one block of a car share vehicle. The City does not have any areas that currently qualify as a high -quality transit corridor. There are four existing Page 3 Packet Pg. 188 O major transit stops, and one future major transit stop (Vista Canyon) in the City as shown in Attachment C - Transit Map. Currently, there are no car share vehicles in the City. • For urban lot splits, any newly created parcel must be a minimum of 1,200 square feet and cannot be less than 40 percent of the lot area of the original parcel. Proposed Ordinance and Development Standards As outlined above, SB9 does include regulations in four key areas including location, displacement of existing units, overdevelopment, and development standards. Those standards, established by SB9, are incorporated into the proposed UDC amendments in compliance with State law. Additionally, the proposed amendments incorporate further regulations, specific to the local jurisdiction, City of Santa Clarita, in order to provide the City with the maximum amount of local control possible over two -unit residential development and urban lot splits within the boundaries of State law. In terms of development standards, the proposed amendments would establish a number of regulations for two -unit residential developments and would enforce applicable development regulations for the underlying zone. Specific development standards include: • The maximum floor area for any new unit constructed under SB9 would be 800 square feet. • The maximum building height shall not be more than one-story and shall not exceed 16 feet. • Require fire sprinklers in newly constructed units. • A minimum of 650 square feet of private outdoor space would be required for each unit. • Parking would be required at one space per unit, unless otherwise exempted under State law, and must be provided in a fully enclosed garage. • Separate trash -collection carts would be required for each unit. • Each parcel created by an application for an urban lot split must provide a minimum 10- foot wide easement for vehicular ingress and egress to the public right-of-way. • Enforce applicable development regulations for Hillside Development Areas and the Ridgeline Preservation Overlay Zone. • Prohibit removal of any oak tree over 12.5 inches in circumference. Other specific regulations in the proposed amendments include: • Prohibition of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior ADUs on a parcel where two -unit residential development is proposed or approved. • Require at least one unit in a two -unit residential development to be income restricted for lower income households (moderate, low, very low, extremely low), which would count toward the City's Regional Housing Needs Assessment obligation for lower income units. • Require approval from the Homeowner Association where applicable (See Attachment B- Homeowner Association Map). In terms of regulations related to public safety, the proposed amendments would require two -unit residential developments and urban lot splits located in the High Fire Severity Zone to be located either on lots which directly front on a highway, as defined in the General Plan, or have two means of direct vehicular access to a highway. This is consistent with the ADU Ordinance Page 4 Packet Pg. 189 O adopted by the City in January 2021, and intended to preserve public safety and traffic flow by ensuring that sufficient evacuation routes and emergency access is provided to all dwelling units. Additionally, the proposed amendments include adoption of Two -Unit Development Design Standards (Design Standards). The Design Standards would apply to two -unit residential developments and are intended to establish objective architectural criteria to guide construction of two -unit residential developments. The proposed Design Standards are brief, however, they draw from the existing residential development standards in the UDC and importantly enforce specific requirements regarding roof slope, 360-degree color and material application, prohibition of roof mounted equipment, and require architectural enhancements around all exterior windows, that serve as a foundation for suitable residential architecture that is compatible with the City's Community Character Design Guidelines. It is important to note that the proposed Design Standards are a stand-alone set of architectural requirements for two -unit residential development and, if necessary, can be expanded in the future with approval by the City Council. ANALYSIS Entitlements UDC 21-003 is required to update the UDC and is subject to the Zoning Amendment process listed in UDC Section 17.28.120.I. General Plan Consistency The proposed amendments are consistent with the General Plan. Specifically, the amendments are consistent with the following Land Use and Planning objectives and policies: Objective L U 3.1: Provide for a diversity of housing types available to provide safe and suitable homes for all economic levels, household sizes, age groups and special needs groups within the community. Policy L U 3.1.1: On the Land Use Map, designate adequate land for residential use at various densities to provide a mix of housing opportunities for all segments of the population, including attached, detached, senior, and mixed -use housing types, which are consistent with community character and meet the region's housing goals. Policy LU 3.1.2: Provide a mix of housing types within neighborhoods that accommodate households with varied income levels. Policy L U 3.1.5: Promote development of housing that is affordable to residents, including households with incomes in the very low, low, and moderate income classifications, through provision of adequate sites on the Land Use Map, allowance for density bonuses and other development incentives. Objective L U 3.3: Ensure that the design of residential neighborhoods considers and includes measures to reduce impacts from natural or man-made hazards. Page 5 Packet Pg. 190 O Policy L U 3.3.1: Identify areas subject to hazards from seismic activity, unstable soils, excessive noise, unhealthful air quality, or flooding, and avoid designating residential uses in these areas unless adequately mitigated. Policy L U 3.3.2: In areas subject to wildland fire danger, ensure that land uses have adequate setbacks, fuel modification areas, and emergency access routes. Policy LU 3.4.8: Require architectural design treatment along all sides of new housing to promote continuity of architectural scale and rhythm and avoid the appearance of blank walls (360 degree enhancement). The proposed amendments are consistent with the objectives and policies listed above. Two -unit residential developments provide diversity in the local housing stock, increasing the number and type of homes available. The requirement for one unit within a two -unit residential development to be affordable to lower -income households aligns with the City's goal to promote development of affordable housing, a goal shared by the State. The proposed amendments incorporate important regulations not addressed by the general State regulations. These regulations include reducing the impacts to residential neighborhoods from natural or man-made hazards, ensuring sufficient emergency access and evacuation routes are provided in areas subject to wildland fire danger, and promoting architectural design consistent with the existing community. The proposed amendments are also consistent with the Circulation Element and Safety Element of the General Plan, including the following Circulation and Safety objectives and policies. Circulation Goals and Policies Objective C 2.5: Consider the needs for emergency access in transportation planning. Policy C 2.5.2: Ensure that new development is provided with adequate emergency and/or secondary access for purposes of evacuation and emergency response; require two points of ingress and egress for every subdivision or phase thereof, except as otherwise approved for small subdivisions where physical constraints preclude a second access point. Safety Goals and Policies Objective S 2.4: Implement flood safety measures in new development Policy S 2.4.1: Require that new development comply with FEMA floodplain management requirements. Policy S 2.4.2: On the Land Use Map, restrict the type and intensity of land use in flood - prone areas, or require flood proof construction, as deemed appropriate. Objective S 3.2: Provide for the specialized needs offzre protection services in both urban and wildland interface areas. Page 6 Packet Pg. 191 O Policy S 3.2.1: Identify areas of the Santa Clarita Valley that are prone to wildland fire hazards, and address these areas in fire safety plans. Policy S 3.2.5: Ensure adequate secondary and emergency access for fire apparatus, which includes minimum requirements for road width, surface material, grade, and staging areas. The proposed amendments support the City's goals to provide for adequate emergency access, including providing secondary access for evacuation and emergency response, implementation of flood safety measures and compliance with FEMA floodplain management requirements, and consideration of wildland fire hazards ENVIRONMENTAL A Notice of Exemption will be prepared for the project. Pursuant to California Government Code Sections 65852.210) and 66411.7(n), the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under Division 13 of the Public Resources Code (commencing with Section 21000). NOTICING All noticing requirements for a public hearing have been completed as required by Section 17.06.110 of the Unified Development Code. A 1/81h page advertisement was placed in The Signal newspaper on November 16,2021. CONCLUSION SB9 was just recently adopted and as it begins being implemented across California in early 2022, we will likely see the passage of cleanup bills by the Legislature that may impact our local implementation ordinance. Planning Division Staff will continue to monitor the state legislation and any changes made to the law, as it pertains to our ability to implement our ordinance, and could come back before the Planning Commission and City Council if it is found that further amendments to the UDC are necessary. The proposed amendments are consistent with State law and allow the City to regulate two -unit residential development and urban lot splits to the maximum extent possible. Many cities are working to adopt similar ordinances and in preparation of the proposed amendments, Planning Division Staff and the City's Attorney's Office have looked to other cities to see what controls they are considering. The proposed ordinance is in line with what is being contemplated in other local jurisdictions. Staff has drafted the necessary findings of support so the Planning Commission can make a recommendation of approval to the City Council. ATTACHMENTS Resolution P21-23 Exhibit A - Draft Unified Development Code Amendments Page 7 Packet Pg. 192 O Exhibit B - Draft Development Design Standards Attachment A - Single -Family Zoning Map Attachment B - Homeowner Association Map Attachment C - Transit Station Map Public Notice Page 8 Packet Pg. 193 3.a RESOLUTION P21-23 A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA CITY COUNCIL APPROVE MASTER CASE 21-224, CONSISTING OF UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENT 21-003, AMENDING THE UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE AS SHOWN IN EXHIBIT A. THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA, DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. FINDINGS OF FACT. The Planning Commission does hereby make the following findings of fact: A. On September 16, 2021, the Governor signed into law Senate Bill (SB) 9, which mandates the City of Santa Clarita (City) ministerially approve two -unit residential developments on c parcels zoned for single-family uses, and ministerially approve a parcel map for the lot split of a parcel zoned for single-family use; a) m B. California Government Code Section 65852.210) permits a local agency to, by ordinance, provide for regulating the creation of a two -unit residential developments on a parcel zoned c to allow a single-family dwelling unit; cn C. California Government Code Section 66411.7(n) permits a local agency to, by ordinance, provide for regulating a parcel map for an urban lot split of a single-family zoned parcel; D. California Government Code Sections 65852.21(b) and 66411.7(c) permits a local agency to impose objective zoning standards, objective subdivision standards, and objective design review standards for two -unit residential development and urban lot split projects; E. The proposed amendments are attached to Resolution P21-23 as Exhibit A; F. The proposed development standards are attached to Resolution P21-23 as Exhibit B; G. The proposed amendments are in compliance with State law and provide the City with local control over the implementation of two -unit residential developments and urban lot splits; H. The project was duly noticed in accordance with the public hearing noticing requirements of the Unified Development Code and a 1/8t'-page advertisement was placed in The Signal newspaper on November 16, 2021; I. The Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing on this issue commencing on December 7, 2021, at, or after, 6:00 p.m. at City Hall, 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita, California; and Packet Pg. 194 3.a Resolution P21-23 Master Case 21-224 Page 2 of 8 J. At the hearing described above, the Planning Commission considered a staff presentation, the staff report, and public testimony on the proposed amendments. SECTION 2. CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT FINDINGS. Based upon the foregoing facts and findings, the Planning Commission recommends the City Council hereby finds as follows: A. A Notice of Exemption for this project was prepared in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA); B. The project is exempt from CEQA. California Government Code Sections 65852.210) and 66411.7(n), exempt adoption of an ordinance to implement California Government Code c Sections 65852.21 and 66411.7 from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under Division 13 of the Public Resources Code (commencing with Section 21000); M m C. The documents and other material which constitute the record of proceedings upon which the decision of the Planning Commission is made is the Master Case 21-224 project file located within the Community Development Department and is in the custody of the Director of Community Development; M D. Based upon the findings set forth above, the Planning Commission hereby finds the Notice of Exemption for this project has been prepared in compliance with CEQA. SECTION 3. GENERAL FINDINGS FOR MASTER CASE 21-224. Based on the foregoing facts and findings for Master Case 21-224, the Planning Commission recommends the City Council hereby finds as follows: A. The proposal is consistent with the General Plan; The project is consistent with the General Plan's objectives, policies, and procedures. The proposed amendments will assist the City in regulating two -unit residential developments and urban lot splits as required by State law. The proposed amendments, including objective development standards will support development of two -unit residential development on parcels zoned for single-family uses and urban lot splits of parcels zoned for single-family uses that are consistent with the City's General Plan objectives, policies, and procedures, including providing diverse housing stock, promoting affordable housing, reducing the impact to residential neighborhoods from natural or man-made hazards, ensuring sufficient emergency access and evacuation routes in areas subject to wildland fire danger, retaining open space for multifamily residential units, requiring high quality architecture, and implementing flood and fire safety measures. Packet Pg. 195 3.a Resolution P21-23 Master Case 21-224 Page 3 of 8 B. The proposal is allowed within the applicable underlying zone and complies with all other applicable provisions of this code; The UDC amendments do not require a consistency finding with the existing development code because the project would amend the UDC in general. In addition, State law, California Government Code Section 65852.21, preempts the density limitation established by the General Plan and underlying zones. This means that units created pursuant to SB9, do not count toward residential zoning density and are consistent with zoning. C. The proposal will not endanger, jeopardize, or otherwise constitute a hazard to the public convenience, health, interest, safety, or general welfare, or be materially detrimental or injurious to the improvements, persons, property, or uses in the vicinity and zone in which c the property is located; and O Nothing contained in the proposed amendments would endanger, jeopardize, or otherwise CO constitute a hazard to the public. Two -unit residential development and urban lot splits are permitted by right under State law. Implementation of the proposed amendments would minimize the potential hazard to the public from flood and fire danger compared to State standards, and implement the goals, policies, and objectives of the General Plan Safety Element to the extent feasible under State law. r D. The proposal is physically suitable for the site. The factors related to the proposal's physical suitability for the site shall include, but are not limited to, the following: 1. The design, location, shape, size, and operating characteristics are suitable for the proposed use; 2. The highways or streets that provide access to the site are ofsufcient width and are improved as necessary to carry the kind and quantity oftraffic such proposal would generate; 3. Public protection service (e.g., Fire protection, Sheriffprotection, etc) are readily available; 4. The provision of utilities (e.g. potable water, schools, solid waste collection and disposal, storm drainage, wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal, etc.) is adequate to serve the site. The proposal is physically suitable for the site in terms of location, shape, size, and operating characteristics. The amendments permit ministerial approval of two -unit residential developments and urban lots splits as mandated by State law, and as described Packet Pg. 196 3.a Resolution P21-23 Master Case 21-224 Page 4of8 above, State law requires that the City find that two -unit residential developments and urban lot splits are appropriate for single-family residential zoned property. No development is proposed or would be approved by the amendments, and any future development that may occur under the revised amendments would require separate ministerial reviews at the time the projects are submitted. The City currently receives adequate service from the Los Angeles County Fire Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. The project area is likewise served by all applicable utilities. The construction of two -unit residential development and urban lot splits may increase the need for fire or police protection services or demand for utilities. However, are permitted by State law, regardless of whether the City regulates them and, therefore, nothing in the proposed amendments would increase the need for fire or police protection services, or increase demand for utilities. SECTION 4. ADDITIONAL FINDINGS FOR UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENT 21-003. Based upon the foregoing facts and findings for UDC 21-003, the Planning Commission recommends the City Council hereby find as follows: A. The amendment is consistent with the adjacent area, ifapplicable; B. The amendment is consistent with the principles of the General Plan; The proposed amendments are consistent with the adjacent area and consistent with the principles of the General Plan. The proposed amendments would not alter the General Plan Land Use Map or Zoning Map. As described above, two -unit residential development and urban lot splits are considered by State law to be consistent with the City's zoning. Construction of two -unit residential developments and urban lot splits as mandated by State law could increase development densities or population projections within the City; however, the proposed amendments would not further change development densities or population projections for the City. Specifically, the proposed amendments would implement the following objectives and policies of the General Plan: Objective L U 3.1: Provide for a diversity of housing types available to provide safe and suitable homes for all economic levels, household sizes, age groups and special needs groups within the community. Policy LU 3.1.1: On the Land Use Map, designate adequate land for residential use at various densities to provide a mix of housing opportunities for all segments of the population, including attached, detached, senior, and mixed -use housing types, which are consistent with community character and meet the region's housing goals. Packet Pg. 197 3.a Resolution P21-23 Master Case 21-224 Page 5 of 8 Policy L U 3.1.2: Provide a mix of housing types within neighborhoods that accommodate households with varied income levels. Policy LU 3.1.5: Promote development of housing that is affordable to residents, including households with incomes in the very low, low, and moderate income classifications, through provision of adequate sites on the Land Use Map, allowance for density bonuses and other development incentives. Objective LU 3.3: Ensure that the design of residential neighborhoods considers and includes measures to reduce impacts from natural or man-made hazards. Policy LU 3.3.1: Identify areas subject to hazards from seismic activity, unstable soils, excessive noise, unhealthful air quality, or flooding, and avoid designating residential uses in these areas unless adequately mitigated. Policy L U 3.3.2: In areas subject to wildland fire danger, ensure that land uses have adequate setbacks, fuel modification areas, and emergency access routes. Policy L U 3.4.8: Require architectural design treatment along all sides of new housing to promote continuity of architectural scale and rhythm and avoid the appearance of blank walls (360 degree enhancement). The proposed amendments are consistent with the objectives and policies listed above. Two -unit residential developments and urban lot splits provide diversity in the local housing stock, increasing the number of homes available. The proposed amendments incorporate important regulations not addressed by the general State regulations. These regulations include reducing the impacts to residential neighborhoods from natural or man- made hazards, ensuring sufficient emergency access and evacuation routes are provided in areas subject to wildland fire danger, ensuring development of affordable housing units for lower income households, and promoting architectural design consistent with the existing community. The proposed amendments are also consistent with the Circulation Element and Safety Element of the General Plan, including the following Circulation and Safety objectives and policies. Objective C 2.5: Consider the needs for emergency access in transportation planning. Policy C 2.5.2: Ensure that new development is provided with adequate emergency Packet Pg. 198 3.a Resolution P21-23 Master Case 21-224 Page 6of8 C 0 and/or secondary access for purposes of evacuation and emergency response; require two points of ingress and egress for every subdivision or phase thereof, except as otherwise approved for small subdivisions where physical constraints preclude a second access point. Objective S 2.4: Implement flood safety measures in new development Policy S 2.4.1: Require that new development comply with FEMA floodplain management requirements. a� Policy S 2.4.2: On the Land Use Map, restrict the type and intensity of land use in flood prone areas, or require flood proof construction, as deemed L appropriate. O a) Objective S 3.2: Provide for the specialized needs office protection services in both E urban and wildland interface areas. a� Policy S 3.2.1: Identify areas of the Santa Clarita Valley that are prone to wildland N fire hazards, and address these areas in fire safety plans. N Policy S 3.2.5: Ensure adequate secondary and emergency access for fire apparatus, which includes minimum requirements for road width, surface material, grade, and staging areas. The proposed amendments support the City's goals to provide for adequate emergency access, including providing secondary access for evacuation and emergency response; implementation of flood safety measures and compliance with Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) floodplain management requirements; and consideration of wildland fire hazards. Approval of the amendment will be in the interest ofpublic health, convenience, safety, and general welfare and in conformity with good zoning practice; UDC 21-003 supports the public health, convenience, safety, and general welfare of the community, and is in conformity with good zoning practice because the proposed amendments would be consistent with State law and would allow the City to regulate two - unit residential developments and urban lot splits to the maximum extent possible. This will allow the City to maximize public health, convenience, safety, and general welfare, and maximize conformance with good zoning practice. The amendment is consistent with other applicable provisions of this code; and Packet Pg. 199 3.a Resolution P21-23 Master Case 21-224 Page 7of8 E. Is necessary to implement the General Plan and/or that the public convenience, the general welfare or good zoning practice justifies such action. UDC 21-003 is consistent with the applicable provisions of the UDC because the proposed revisions would allow the City to best regulate two -unit residential developments and urban lots splits as permitted by State law. Therefore, the amendments would promote the general welfare and public convenience and would constitute good zoning practice. SECTION 5. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Planning Commission of the City of Santa Clarita, California, as follows: Z Adopt Resolution P21-23, recommending the City of Santa Clarita City Council approve c Master Case 21-224, consisting of Unified Development Code Amendment 21-003, amending the 0 Unified Development Code as shown in Exhibit A, and adopting Two -Unit Residential =, Development Design Standards as shown in Exhibit B. m Packet Pg. 200 3.a Resolution P21-23 Master Case 21-224 Page 8 of 8 PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 7 h day of December, 2021. DAN MASNADA, CHAIRPERSON PLANNING COMMISSION ATTEST: RACHEL CLARK, SECRETARY PLANNING COMMISSION STATE OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES CITY OF SANTA CLARITA I, Rachel Clark, Secretary of the Planning Commission of the City of Santa Clarita, California, do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly adopted by the Planning Commission of the City of Santa Clarita at a regular meeting thereof, held on the 7 h day of December, 2021, by the following vote of the Planning Commission: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: NOES: COMMISSIONERS: ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: PLANNING COMMISSION SECRETARY SACDVPLANNING DIVISION\CURRENTV2021\MC21-224 (UDC21-003 Two -Unit Residential Development Ord)\Planning Commission\MC21-224 Resolution P21- 23.doe Packet Pg. 201 3.b 17.57.025 Two -unit residential developments. A. Purpose and Findings. 1. The purpose of this section is to provide regulations for the establishment of two -unit residential developments in single-family residential zones and to define an approval process for such two -unit residential developments consistent with Government Code Sections 65852.21, or any successor statute. The intent of this section is to provide opportunities for more affordable housing in existing single-family residential zones as a) mandated by state law. It is also the goal to provide development standards to ensure the CO orderly development of these units in appropriate areas of the City. a� 2. Two -unit residential developments are residential uses consistent with the uses permitted y r in single-family residential zones. 3. Government Code Section 65852.21 preempts the density limitations established by the General Plan and the underlying zones in which two -unit residential developments created pursuant to the requirements of this subsection are permitted. Incompatibility with the City's density limitations shall not provide a basis to deny a two -unit residential development that otherwise conforms to the requirements of this section. B. A two -unit residential development containing two residential units within a single-family residential zone (NU1, NU2, NU3, NU4, NU5, UR1, UR2) shall be considered ministerially, without discretionary review or a hearing, if the proposed housing meets all of the standards set forth below. For purposes of this section, a two -unit residential development contains two residential units if the development proposes two new units or if it proposes to add one new unit to one existing unit. 1. If a parcel includes an existing single-family residence, one additional unit of not more than 800 square feet may be developed pursuant to this section. No more than 25 percent of the existing exterior structural walls shall be demolished to create the two -unit residential development, unless the existing single-family residence has not been occupied by a tenant in the last three years. 2. If a parcel does not include an existing single-family residence, or if an existing single- family residence is proposed to be demolished in connection with the creation of a two -unit Packet Pg. 202 3.b residential development, two units of not more than 800 square feet may be developed pursuant to this section. 3. Each unit in a two -unit residential development shall be separated by a distance of at least ten feet from any other structure on the parcel; however, units may be adjacent or connected if the structures meet building code safety standards and are sufficient to allow separate conveyance. 4. Neither accessory dwelling units nor junior accessory dwelling units shall be permitted on a parcel if a two -unit development is proposed or has been approved. C. A two -unit residential development shall be prohibited in each of the following circumstances: 1. The two -unit residential development would require demolition or alteration of any of the following types of housing: a. Housing that is subject to a recorded covenant, ordinance, or law that restricts rents to levels affordable to persons and families of moderate, low, or very low income. b. Housing that is subject to any form of rent or price control through a public entity's valid exercise of its police power. c. Housing that has been occupied by a tenant in the last three years. 2. The parcel subject to the proposed housing development is a parcel on which an owner of residential real property has exercised the owner's rights under Government Code Section 7060 et seq. to withdraw accommodations from rent or lease within 15 years before the date that the development proponent submits an application. 3. The parcel subject to the proposed housing development is located within a historic district or property included on the State Historic Resources Inventory, as defined in Public Resources Code Section 5020.1, or within a site that is designated or listed as a city or county landmark or historic property or district pursuant to a city or county ordinance. 4. If the two -unit residential development is on a parcel that is any of the following: a. Either prime farmland or farmland of statewide importance, as defined pursuant to United States Department of Agriculture land inventory and monitoring criteria, as 2 Packet Pg. 203 3.b modified for California, and designated on the maps prepared by the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the Department of Conservation, or land zoned or designated for agricultural protection or preservation by a local ballot measure that was approved by the voters of that jurisdiction. b. Wetlands, as defined in the United States Fish and Wildlife Service Manual, Part 660 FW 2 (June 21, 1993). a� c. Within a very high fire hazard severity zone, as determined by the Department of 0 Forestry and Fire Protection pursuant to Government Code Section 51178, or within a =' high or very high fire hazard severity zone as indicated on maps adopted by the 00 a� Department of Forestry and Fire Protection pursuant to Section 4202 of the Public c Resources Code. This subparagraph does not apply to sites excluded from the a� specified hazard zones by a local agency, pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 51179 of the Government Code, or sites that have adopted fire hazard mitigation a� E measures pursuant to existing building standards or state fire mitigation measures applicable to the development. Any site that meets the standards above must also comply with Section 15-57-025(C)(5)(two means of access). o d. A hazardous waste site that is listed pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5 or a hazardous waste site designated by the Department of Toxic Substances Control pursuant to Section 25356 of the Health and Safety Code, unless the State Department of Public Health, State Water Resources Control Board, or Department of Toxic Substances Control has cleared the site for residential use or residential mixed uses. e. Within a delineated earthquake fault zone as determined by the State Geologist in any official maps published by the State Geologist, unless the development complies with applicable seismic protection building code standards adopted by the California Building Standards Commission under the California Building Standards Law (Part 2.5 (commencing with Section 18901) of Division 13 of the Health and Safety Code), and by any local building department under Chapter 12.2 (commencing with Section 8875) of Division 1 of Title 2. f. Within a special flood hazard area subject to inundation by the 1 percent annual chance flood (100-year flood) as determined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in any official maps published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. If a development proponent is able to satisfy all applicable federal qualifying Packet Pg. 204 3.b criteria in order to provide that the site satisfies this subparagraph and is otherwise eligible for streamlined approval under this section, a local government shall not deny the application on the basis that the development proponent did not comply with any additional permit requirement, standard, or action adopted by that local government that is applicable to that site. A development may be located on a site described in this subparagraph if either of the following are met: (i) The site has been subject to a U Letter of Map Revision prepared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and r_ issued to the local jurisdiction; or (ii) The site meets Federal Emergency Management Agency requirements necessary to meet minimum flood plain management criteria of M the National Flood Insurance Program pursuant to Part 59 (commencing with Section m 59.1) and Part 60 (commencing with Section 60.1) of Subchapter B of Chapter I of Title 44 of the Code of Federal Regulations. g. Within a regulatory floodway as determined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in any official maps published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, unless the development has received a no -rise certification in accordance with Section 60.3(d)(3) of Title 44 of the Code of Federal Regulations. If a development proponent is able to satisfy all applicable federal qualifying criteria in order to provide that the site satisfies this subparagraph and is otherwise eligible for streamlined approval under this section, a local government shall not deny the application on the basis that the development proponent did not comply with any additional permit requirement, standard, or action adopted by that local government that is applicable to that site. h. Lands identified for conservation in an adopted natural community conservation plan pursuant to the Natural Community Conservation Planning Act (Chapter 10 (commencing with Section 2800) of Division 3 of the Fish and Game Code), habitat conservation plan pursuant to the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.0 Sec. 1531 et seq.), or other adopted natural resource protection plan. i. Habitat for protected species identified as candidate, sensitive, or species of special status by state or federal agencies, fully protected species, or species protected by the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. Sec. 1531 et seq.), the California Endangered Species Act (Chapter 1.5 (commencing with Section 2050) of Division 3 of the Fish and Game Code), or the Native Plant Protection Act (Chapter 10 (commencing with Section 1900) of Division 2 of the Fish and Game Code). M Packet Pg. 205 3.b j. Lands under conservation easement. 5. Where a lot or any portion thereof is located in a high fire hazard severity zone, as defined by the Los Angeles County Fire Department, a two -unit residential development shall be prohibited on the lot unless it either fronts a highway and vehicles enter directly from the highway (as defined in Table C-2 of the General Plan Circulation Element), or it has two (2) means of direct a� vehicular access to a highway that meet the following requirements: a. The two (2) distinct means of vehicular access, as measured from the lot frontage to 0 the point of intersection with the highway, shall not overlap with each other; and =' 'm b. Each distinct means of vehicular access shall contain a paved or unpaved road of at least twenty-four (24) feet in width, exclusive of sidewalks, landscaping, and parking cn lanes. M D. Any construction of a two -unit residential development shall conform to all property development regulations of the zone in which the property is located including, but not limited to, height limits, setback, lot coverage, landscape, and floor area ratio (FAR), as well as all fire, health, safety and building provisions of this title, subject to the following exceptions: 1. No setback shall be required for an existing structure or a structure constructed in the same location and to the same dimensions as an existing structure. Verification of size and location of the existing and proposed structure by City staff requires pre- and post - construction surveys by a California licensed land surveyor. 2. For all other dwelling units proposed in connection with a two -unit residential development, a minimum setback of four feet, or the applicable setback for the zone district, whichever is less, is required from the rear and side property lines. All other setbacks shall be subject to the underlying zone. 3. Limits on lot coverage, floor area ratio, open space, and size must permit at least two units of at least 800 square feet in connection with a two -unit residential development. 4. New dwelling units proposed in connection with a two -unit residential development shall be no more than one-story and shall not exceed 16 feet, or the height of any existing dwelling unit that is to remain, whichever is most restrictive. A second unit shall not be constructed as a second story on top of an existing unit. 5 Packet Pg. 206 3.b (1) Exceptions: Projects that are exempt from the one-story height limit due to the 800- square foot exemption must not exceed 25 feet in height with a maximum top plate height (interior ceiling height) of 18 feet. If a third floor is necessary to meet the 800-square foot requirement the third floor must be completely subterranean; the ceiling must be below the natural grade. a� (2) Second Floor Stepbacks: Projects that are exempt from the one-story height limit due to the 800-square foot exemption, must stepback the second and third floor four feet from = �a L the ground floor. This rule applies to only to the side yard, rear yard, and street side yard o elevations. _ 'm a� 5. Private Outdoor Space: A minimum of six hundred fifty (650) square feet of outdoor = a� yard space shall be provided for each unit in a two -unit residential development. Land required for front yard setbacks, or occupied by buildings, driveways, or parking spaces a� may not be counted in satisfying this outdoor space requirement. n 5. For a two -unit residential development connected to an onsite wastewater treatment system, the applicant shall provide a percolation test completed within the last 5 years, or, if the percolation test has been recertified, within the last 10 years. 6. All dwelling units created in connection with a two -unit residential development shall have independent exterior access. 7. For applications that do not involve an urban lot split subdivision pursuant to Chapter 16.28, one of the dwellings on the lot must be the bona fide principal residence of at least one legal owner of the lot containing the dwelling, as evidenced at the time of approval of the two -unit residential development by appropriate documents of title and residency. Prior to the issuance of a building permit, the applicant shall provide evidence that a Two -Unit Residential Development Covenant has been recorded stating that one of the dwelling units on the lot shall remain owner occupied. 8. A rental of any unit in a two -unit residential development shall be rented for a term of longer than thirty days. 9. Parking. At least one fully enclosed parking space per unit is required, except that parking is not required if the parcel is located within one-half mile walking distance of either a high -quality transit corridor, as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 21155 of the Public Resources Code, or a major transit stop, as defined in Section 21064.3 of the Public 0 Packet Pg. 207 3.b Resources Code, or if there is a car share vehicle located within one block of the parcel. The parking space must maintain a minimum area of ten (10) feet wide by twenty (20) feet deep to remain clear and free of all obstructions. 10. Two -unit residential developments shall provide a new or separate utility connection directly between each dwelling unit and the utility. The connection may be subject to a connection fee or capacity charge. 11. Two -unit residential developments shall be required to provide fire sprinklers. 12. Trash Collection: Each unit in a two -unit residential development shall be required to provide space for three, 90-gallon trash carts. Trash carts must be stored out of public view from the street and may not be located within the required front yard setback. 13. Oak Tree Preservation: The addition of or new construction of a dwelling unit shall not remove any oak tree measuring twelve and one-half (12 1/2) inches in circumference when measured at a point four and one-half (4 1/2) feet above the tree's natural grade. A removal includes removing a tree or removing more than one-third of a tree's vegetation. In addition to preservation of the tree, the owner must record a covenant showing the location of the oak tree, stating that all reasonable precautions have been made to preserve the oak tree, requiring all trimming of the tree to be overseen by a licensed arborist, prohibiting the tree from being topped, and that the City must approve of any removal of the tree. If removal of a tree is required in order to provide a minimum 800 square foot unit, the owner must meet the mitigation requirements of Section 17.51.040 (13)(3)(e). 14. Hillside Development. Projects with slopes which average ten (10%) or greater shall conform to the development standards for Hillside Development Review (Section 17.51.20(C)). 15. Ridgeline Preservation Overlay Zone. Projects located within the Ridgeline Preservation (RP) overlay zone shall conform to the property development standards for the RP overlay zone (Section 17.38.070(D)). 16. At least one unit in a two -unit residential development shall be income restricted for a period of fifty-five (55) years to provide for lower income households as defined in Section 50079.5 of the Health and Safety Code. 7 Packet Pg. 208 0 17. Exceptions to Objective Standards: Any objective zoning standards, objective subdivision standards, and objective design standards that would have the effect of physically precluding the construction of up to two units or that would physically preclude either of the two units from being at least 800 square feet in floor area must be set aside. Objective zoning standards will be set aside in the following order until the site can contain two, 800 square foot units. (1) Lot Coverage = �a L O (2) Second Floor Stepbacks =' 'm (3) Private Outdoor Space a� (4) Fully Enclosed Parking M (5) Oak Tree Preservation (6) Maximum Number of Stories. If waiving of all the above requirements do not provide for an 800 square foot unit, the building may exceed the maximum number of stories. After exceeding the maximum number of stories, the applicant must then replace the above objective standards in the opposite order until the unit size is reduced to 800 square feet. E. Objective Design Standards. Any construction of a two -unit residential development shall comply with the adopted Two -Unit Residential Development Design Standards. F. Application Requirements. 1. Applicant must submit a title report and affidavit demonstrating compliance with this 17.57.25(D)(7). 2. Where applicable, applicant must submit documentation demonstrating homeowners association approval of application. 3. Fees. Permit fees imposed on two -unit residential developments and urban lot splits shall be established by City Council Resolution. G. Review of Application. 1. Applications for two -unit residential developments conforming to the requirements of this section shall be considered ministerially without discretionary review or a hearing by Packet Pg. 209 3.b the director of community development. Incomplete applications will be returned with an explanation of what additional information is required. 2. A proposed two -unit residential development may be denied if the director of community development makes a written finding, based upon a preponderance of the evidence, that the proposed housing development project would have a specific, adverse impact, as defined and determined in paragraph (2) of subdivision (d) of Section 65589.5 a) of the Government Code, upon public health and safety or the physical environment and = a L for which there is no feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid the specific, o adverse impact. _ 'm a� 3. Prior to occupancy, the City Manager, or designee, shall approve an Affordable = Housing Regulatory Agreement governing and encumbering the two -unit residential a� LO development and ensuring long-term affordability of the income -restricted unit pursuant to Section 17.57.25(D)(15). The Affordable Housing Regulatory Agreement shall be a� executed by the City Manager, or designee, and the applicant prior to occupancy. H. Prior to the issuance of a building permit for a two -unit residential development dwelling unit, the property owner shall record a Two -Unit Residential Development Covenant with the County Recorder's Office, the form and content of which is satisfactory to the City Attorney. The covenant shall notify future owners of the owner occupancy requirements, the approved size and attributes of the units, and minimum rental period restrictions. This covenant shall remain in effect so long as a two -unit residential development exists on the parcel. L In cases of conflict between this section and any other provision of this title, the provisions of this section shall prevail. To the extent that any provision of this section is in conflict with State law, the applicable provision of State law shall control, but all other provisions of this section shall remain in full force and effect. 9 Packet Pg. 210 3.b Chapter 16.28 URBAN LOT SPLIT SUBDIVISION REQUIREMENTS 16.28.010 Urban lot split subdivision. No person shall create an urban lot split subdivision except by the filing of an urban lot split map approved pursuant to this title and the Subdivision Map Act. a� 16.28.020 Preparation of urban lot split map. The urban lot split map shall be prepared by or under the direction of a registered civil engineer L or licensed land surveyor, shall show the location of streets and property lines bounding the 0 property and: m a� A. Shall conform to all of the following provisions the provisions of Section 66445 of the Subdivision Map Act. B. Shall be based upon a field survey made in conformity with the Land Surveyors Act. (Gov Code § 66448) 16.28.030 Application. A. A subdivider applying for an urban lot split subdivision plat shall file an application with the Department of Community Development, together with copies of an urban lot split map. An applicant for an urban lot split subdivision shall sign and submit with the application an affidavit stating that the applicant intends to occupy one of the housing units as their principal residence for a minimum of three (3) years from the date of the approval of the urban lot split. An affidavit shall not be required of an applicant that is either a "community land trust" or a "qualified nonprofit corporation" as defined in the Revenue and Taxation Code. If the applicant is not a natural person, the applicant shall submit an ownership disclosure. B. The Department of Community Development shall not accept an application or map for processing unless the Department finds that the urban lot split map is consistent with the zoning provisions of this code and that all approvals and permits required by the city zoning provisions for the project have been given or issued. C. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection B of this section, an urban lot split map may be processed concurrently with documents, permits or approvals required by the zoning provisions of this code, if the applicant first waives the time limits for processing, approving or conditionally approving or disapproving an urban lot split map provided by this title or the Subdivision Map Act. 10 Packet Pg. 211 3.b 16.28.040 Information to be filed with urban lot split map. Such information as may be prescribed by the rules and regulations approved by the city council pursuant to Section 17.25 and such additional information as the Department of Community Development may find necessary with respect to any particular case to implement the provisions of this title shall accompany the urban lot split map at the time of submission, including a certificate of an engineer or land surveyor in accordance with Section 66449 of the U Subdivision Map Act, and a certificate in accordance with Section 66450 of the Subdivision Map r- Act relating to unincorporated territory. =a O 16.28.050 Requirements for urban lot split map. _ E The Department of Community Development shall ministerially approve a parcel map for an urban lot split only if the Department of Community Development determines that the parcel map for the urban lot split meets all of the following requirements: th A. Both newly created parcels shall be no smaller than 1,200 square feet. B. Both newly created parcels shall be of approximately equal lot area, which for purposes of this paragraph shall mean that one parcel shall not be smaller than 40 percent of the lot area of the original parcel proposed for subdivision. C. Unit size shall be not greater than 800 square feet. D. The parcel being subdivided is located within the NUl, NU2, NU3, NU4, NUS, UR1, and UR2 zones. E. The parcel being subdivided is not located on a site that is any of the following: 1. Either prime farmland or farmland of statewide importance, as defined pursuant to United States Department of Agriculture land inventory and monitoring criteria, as modified for California, and designated on the maps prepared by the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the Department of Conservation, or land zoned or designated for agricultural protection or preservation by a local ballot measure that was approved by the voters of that jurisdiction. 2. Wetlands, as defined in the United States Fish and Wildlife Service Manual, Part 660 FW 2 (June 21, 1993). 3. Within a very high fire hazard severity zone, as determined by the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection pursuant to Section 51178 of the Government Code, or within a high or very high fire hazard severity zone as indicated on maps adopted by the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection pursuant to Section 4202 of the Public 11 Packet Pg. 212 3.b Resources Code. This subparagraph does not apply to sites excluded from the specified hazard zones by a local agency, pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 51179 of the Government Code, or sites that have adopted fire hazard mitigation measures pursuant to existing building standards or state fire mitigation measures applicable to the development. 4. A hazardous waste site that is listed pursuant to Section 65962.5 of the Government Code or a hazardous waste site designated by the Department of Toxic Substances Control pursuant to Section 25356 of the Health and Safety Code, unless the State Department of Public Health, State Water Resources Control Board, or Department of Toxic Substances Control has cleared the site for residential use or residential mixed uses. 5. Within a delineated earthquake fault zone as determined by the State Geologist in any official maps published by the State Geologist, unless the development complies with applicable seismic protection building code standards adopted by the California Building Standards Commission under the California Building Standards Law (Part 2.5 (commencing with Section 18901) of Division 13 of the Health and Safety Code), and by any local building department under Chapter 12.2 (commencing with Section 8875) of Division 1 of Title 2 of the Government Code. 6. Within a special flood hazard area subject to inundation by the 1 percent annual chance flood (100-year flood) as determined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in any official maps published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. If a development proponent is able to satisfy all applicable federal qualifying criteria in order to provide that the site satisfies this subparagraph and is otherwise eligible for streamlined approval under this section, a local government shall not deny the application on the basis that the development proponent did not comply with any additional permit requirement, standard, or action adopted by that local government that is applicable to that site. A development may be located on a site described in this subparagraph if either of the following are met: (i) The site has been subject to a Letter of Map Revision prepared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and issued to the local jurisdiction. (ii) The site meets Federal Emergency Management Agency requirements necessary to meet minimum flood plain management criteria of the National Flood Insurance Program pursuant to Part 59 (commencing with Section 59.1) and Part 60 (commencing with Section 60.1) of Subchapter B of Chapter I of Title 44 of the Code of Federal Regulations. 7. Within a regulatory floodway as determined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in any official maps published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, unless the development has received a no -rise certification in accordance with Section 60.3(d)(3) of Title 44 of the Code of Federal Regulations. If a development proponent is able to satisfy all applicable federal qualifying criteria in order to provide that the site 12 Packet Pg. 213 3.b satisfies this subparagraph and is otherwise eligible for streamlined approval under this section, a local government shall not deny the application on the basis that the development proponent did not comply with any additional permit requirement, standard, or action adopted by that local government that is applicable to that site. 8. Lands identified for conservation in an adopted natural community conservation plan pursuant to the Natural Community Conservation Planning Act (Chapter 10 (commencing with Section 2800) of Division 3 of the Fish and Game Code), habitat e^, conservation plan pursuant to the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. Sec. 1531 et seq.), or other adopted natural resource protection plan. L O 9. Habitat for protected species identified as candidate, sensitive, or species of special M status by state or federal agencies, fully protected species, or species protected by the m federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. Sec. 1531 et seq.), the California Endangered Species Act (Chapter 1.5 (commencing with Section 2050) of Division 3 of the Fish and Game Code), or the Native Plant Protection Act (Chapter 10 (commencing with Section 1900) of Division 2 of the Fish and Game Code). r 10. Lands under conservation easement. 11. Where a lot or any portion thereof is located in a high fire hazard severity zone, as defined by the Los Angeles County Fire Department, an urban lot split shall be prohibited unless it either fronts a highway and vehicles enter directly from the highway (as defined in Table C-2 of the General Plan Circulation Element), or it has two (2) means of direct vehicular access to a highway that meet the following requirements: a. The two (2) distinct means of vehicular access, as measured from the lot frontage to the point of intersection with the highway, shall not overlap with each other; and b. Each distinct means of vehicular access shall contain a paved or unpaved road of at least twenty-four (24) feet in width, exclusive of sidewalks, landscaping, and parking lanes. F. The proposed urban lot split would not require demolition or alteration of any of the following types of housing: 1. Housing that is subject to a recorded covenant, ordinance, or law that restricts rents to levels affordable to persons and families of moderate, low, or very low income. 2. Housing that is subject to any form of rent or price control through a public entity's valid exercise of its police power. 13 Packet Pg. 214 3.b 3. A parcel or parcels on which an owner of residential real property has exercised the owner's rights under Government Code section 7060, et seq. to withdraw accommodations from rent or lease within 15 years before the date that the development proponent submits an application under this Chapter. 4. Housing that has been occupied by a tenant in the last three years a� G. The parcel is not located within a historic district or property included on the State Historic = Resources Inventory, as defined in Section 5020.1 of the Public Resources Code, or within a site E 0 that is designated or listed as a city or county landmark or historic property or district pursuant to =' a city or county ordinance. 00 m .r c� H. The parcel has not been established through prior exercise of an urban lot split as provided for in this Chapter. r I. Neither the owner of the parcel being subdivided nor any person acting in concert with the owner has previously subdivided an adjacent parcel using an urban lot split as provided for in this Chapter. J. All easements required for the provision of public services and facilities shall be dedicated or conveyed by an instrument in a form acceptable to the Department of Community Development. K. Units constructed on an urban lot split subdivision approved pursuant to this chapter shall be subject to and comply with the minimum setback requirements specified in Section 17.57.025(D) L. Units constructed on an urban lot split subdivision approved pursuant to this chapter shall not exceed sixteen feet (16') in height measured from preexisting grade or finished grade, whichever is lower, to the highest point of the roof. M. Each unit located on a parcel created pursuant to this chapter shall have a minimum ten (10) foot wide vehicular ingress and egress to the public right-of-way. N. There shall be no less than one enclosed parking space per unit of off-street parking, except that parking is not required if the parcel is located within one-half mile walking distance of either a high -quality transit corridor, as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 21155 of the Public Resources Code, or a major transit stop, as defined in Section 21064.3 of the Public Resources Code, or if there is a car share vehicle located within one block of the parcel. The parking space must maintain a minimum area of ten (10) feet wide by twenty (20) feet deep to remain clear and free of all obstructions. 14 Packet Pg. 215 3.b O. The uses allowed on a parcel created pursuant to this chapter shall be limited to residential uses. P. Dwelling units constructed on urban lot split subdivision lots shall only be used for rentals of terms of longer than thirty (30) days. Q. Prior to approval of an urban lot split subdivision, the applicant shall have complied with the Two -Unit Development Covenant recording requirement contained in Section 17.57.025(H) R. Each two -unit residential development resulting from approval of an urban lot split shall comply with the development standards contained in Section 17.57.25(D). 16.28.060 Application of Objective Standards. Development proposed on lots created by an urban lot split subdivision shall comply with and all objective zoning standards, objective subdivision standards, and objective design review standards applicable to the parcel based on the underlying zoning, the development standards contained in Section 17.57.25(D), and Section 17.57.25(E) ; provided, however, that the application of such standards shall be reduced if the standards would have the effect of physically precluding the construction of two units on either of the resulting parcels created pursuant to this chapter or would result in a unit size of less than 800 square feet. 16.28.070 Grading plan. There shall be filed with each urban lot split map a grading plan showing graded building site elevations and grading proposed for the creation of building sites or for construction or installation of improvements to serve the subdivision. The grading plan, together with the original topography contours, may be shown on an exhibit to the urban lot split map. The grading plan shall indicate approximate earthwork volumes of proposed excavation and filling operations. In the event no grading is proposed, a statement to that effect shall be placed on the urban lot split map. In no event shall grading pursuant to an application submitted under this chapter exceed one hundred (100 ) cubic yards. 16.28.080 Preliminary title report. There shall be filed with each urban lot split map, a current preliminary title report of the property being subdivided or altered. 16.28.090 Revised urban lot split map. Where a subdivider desires to revise an approved urban lot split map, the subdivider may file with the Department of Community Development, prior to the expiration of the approved urban lot split map, a revised urban lot split map on payment of the fees specified in Section 17.25.110. 15 Packet Pg. 216 3.b 16.28.100 Department of Community Development — Duties. The Director of the Department of Community Development or his or her designee is authorized and directed to carry out the following duties, concerning applications for urban lot split maps under this chapter: A. Obtain the recommendations of other city departments, governmental agencies or special districts as may be deemed appropriate or necessary by the Director in order to carry out the provisions of this title; B. Consider all recommendations and the results of all investigations and ministerially approve, or disapprove the application. 16.28.110 Consideration of urban lot split map — Notice of decision. The Department of Community Development shall ministerially approve or disapprove such map. The time limit specified in this paragraph may be extended by mutual consent of the applicant and the city. If the urban lot split map is disapproved, the reasons therefor shall be stated in the notice of disapproval. 16.28.120 Disapproval of urban lot split map. The Department of Community Development shall not approve an urban lot split map under any of the following circumstances: A. The land proposed for division is a lot or parcel which was part of an urban lot split map that the City previously approved. B. The subdivision proposes creation of more than two lots. C. The Department of Community Development finds that the urban lot split map does not meet the requirements of this code or that all approvals or permits required by this code for the project have not been given or issued. D. Based on a preponderance of the evidence, the building official finds that the proposed housing development project would have a specific, adverse impact, as defined and determined in paragraph (2) of subdivision (d) of Government Code Section 65589.5, upon public health and safety or the physical environment and for which there is no feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid the specific, adverse impact. 16 Packet Pg. 217 3.b Any decision to disapprove an urban lot split map shall be accompanied by a finding identifying the applicable, objective requirements imposed by the Subdivision Map Act and this title or the conditions of approval which have not been met or performed. 16.28.130 Transmittal of urban lot split map to County Recorder. After the approval by the City of an urban lot split map, the City Clerk or an agent shall transmit m the map to the County Recorder. An urban lot split subject to Section 66493 of the Subdivision c� Map Act shall be processed in compliance with Government Code Section 66464(b). L 0 16.28.140 Correction and amendment of urban lot split map. Corrections of and amendments to the urban lot split map shall be made pursuant to Section 0° m r 66469 et seq. of the Act. c m CO 17 Packet Pg. 218 3.c Santa Clarita Two -Unit Residential Development Design Standards 1. The following development design standards apply to a two -unit residential development when the dwelling unit is proposed on a parcel with an existing single-family dwelling unit. a. The new unit shall utilize the same exterior materials and colors as the existing dwelling unit, however, the primary siding shall not be comprised of metal. b. The color and material palette shall be applied to all exterior elevations (360-degree architecture). c. Sloped Roof. The slope of the roof shall match the roof pitch of the existing dwelling unit, but in no case shall the roof pitch be less than an incline of two to twelve (2:12) feet. d. Roof -mounted or installed air conditioners shall be prohibited. This however, shall not preclude the replacement of existing legal roof -mounted air conditioners with new units which are the same dimensions of the original unit. e. Rain gutters, downspouts, vents and other roof protrusions shall be painted to match the adjacent building or roof surface. f. Windows. All exterior windows shall be accented with the same material as the existing unit, except, if no window trim exists on the existing structure, then one of the following window accents shall be incorporated on the new unit: wood trim, stucco foam surround, shutters, window sills, trellis, or awning g. The garage door of any new fully enclosed parking space(s) shall be recessed a minimum of four (4) inches from the exterior wall plane. 2. The following development design standards apply to a two -unit residential development if the parcel does not include an existing single-family residence, or if an existing single-family residence is proposed to be demolished. Packet Pg. 219 3.c a. The new units shall utilize the same exterior material and color palette. b. The color and material palette shall be applied to all exterior elevations (360-degree architecture). c. The roof shall be sloped with a minimum incline of two to twelve (2:12) feet. d. Roof -mounted or installed air conditioners shall be prohibited. a� C e. Rain gutters, downspouts, vents and other roof protrusions shall be painted �a p to match the adjacent building or roof surface. m f. The garage door of any new fully enclosed parking space(s) shall be a� recessed a minimum of four (4) inches from the exterior wall plane. (n g. Windows. All exterior windows shall be accented with one of the following: wood trim, stucco foam surround, shutters, window sills, trellis, or awning. h. Metal Siding. The primary siding shall not be comprised of metal. 2 Packet Pg. 220 Hillcrest M /e 'ecord Dr mohair � l is Mo4ryta n � i 1 � rC CO Cary Of SANTA CLARITA N 3.d Single -Family Zones PIN Miles Legend 1 Le I 9 Zone 0 NU4 Q Santa Clarita City Boundary The City of Santa Clarita does notwar NU1 0 NU5 U Santa Clara River the accuracy of the data and assumes NU2 URl liability for any errors or omissions. 0 All data are in Stateplane Coordinate NU3 0 UR2 NAD83 California Zone 5 V Q:\PROJECTS\CD\211115e1\Single Family = fU 1 S O �� rn piu _ in C��YonPO 4T CU N U) a o CL c O IN a 0 \w E CU Ia Pries N C a pZcerita Canyon Rd = d E rF] ON f� by O� .rs Packet Pg. 221 Hillcrest IM is l am" C'q Of SANTA CLARITA N 3.e Single -Family Zones PIN with Homeowner's Associations Miles 0 1 Legend l Single Family Zones The City of Santa Clarita does not war C—, Santa Clarita City Boundary the accuracy of the data and assumes liability for any errors or omissions. ® Homeowner's Associations All data are in Stateplane Coordinate : V Q Santa Clara River NAD83 California Zone 5 Q:\PROJECTS\CD\211115e1\Single Family = AAm CIO v� ta�C� d �• �N f� by Packet Pg. 222 es Q G W ° 0 n v Ne �aoO�o Dr � V. ��eGe h Qa gouQ �e Magic Mb4rytain p MCBEAN` REGIONAL TRANSIT CENTER ® t SANTA CLARIT, METROLINK �eroa �Oy ° STATION � D � � 1 U m� QAco GanyOry A d Lyons Ave L� 3AN1HEIDT Nf METROLINKE Ciq Of SANTA CLARITA N 3.f Single -Family Zones PIN and Transit Stations KAH Legend Single Family Zones Q Rail Stations Santa Clarita City Boundary • Transit Center o Santa Clara River j 1/2 Mile Station Radius VIA PRINCESSA METROLINK-TATIO O FUTURE VIS '-METROLINK ies 0 1 I i i The City of Santa Clarita does not war the accuracy of the data and assumes liability for any errors or omissions. All data are in Stateplane Coordinate NAD83 California Zone 5 Q:\PROJECTS\CD\211115e1\Single Family V C IC C O 4,t m d R C CJ �n a ledad Cary°�� ca C O to CANYON CU ATION U c E v < V o- �, a C E r-, Q Packet Pg. 223 3.g o� Sp,�rrq of a U 7 � �6 oECEMBE APPLICATION CITY OF SANTA CLARITA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Suite 302 Santa Clarita, CA 91355 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Master Case 21-224; Unified Development Code Amendment 21-003 PROJECT APPLICANT: City of Santa Clarita PROJECT LOCATION: Citywide PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The City of Santa Clarita (City) is updating the Unified Development Code to adopt the Two -Unit Residential Development and Urban Lot Split Ordinance, and associated objective design standards, in accordance with state law. California Government Code Section 65852.210) permits a local agency to, by ordinance, provide for regulating the creation of a two -unit residential developments on a parcel zoned to allow a single-family dwelling unit. California Government Code Section 66411.7(n) permits a local agency to, by ordinance, provide for regulating a parcel map for an urban lot split of a single-family zoned parcel. The proposed code amendments would not change the City's General Plan Land Use Map or Zoning Map. The City of Santa Clarita Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing on this matter on the following date: DATE: Tuesday, December 7, 2021 TIME: At or after 6:00 p.m. LOCATION: City Hall, Council Chambers 23920 Valencia Blvd., First Floor Santa Clarita, CA 91355 The Planning Commission agenda can be found at www.santa-clarita.com/city-hall/commission- information/planning-commission by December 3, 2021. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW: A Notice of Exemption was prepared for the proposed project. Pursuant to California Government Code Sections 65852.210) and 66411.7(n), the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under Division 13 of the Public Resources Code (commencing with Section 21000). If you wish to challenge the action taken on this matter in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or written correspondence delivered to the City of Santa Clarita at, or prior to, the public hearings. If you wish to have written comments included in the materials the Planning Commission receives prior to the public hearing, those comments must be submitted to the Community Development Department by Monday, November 29, 2021. For further information regarding this proposal, you may contact the Project Planner, by appointment, at the City of Santa Clarita Permit Center: 23920 Valencia Blvd., Suite 140, Santa Clarita, CA 91355. Telephone: (661) 255-4330. Website: www.santa-clarita.com/planning. Send written correspondence via e-mail to eiverson&santa-clarita.com, or by US mail to: City of Santa Clarita Planning Division, 23920 Valencia Blvd., Suite 302, Santa Clarita, CA 91355. Project Planner: Erika Iverson, Associate Planner. Jason Crawford, AICP Planning, Marketing & Economic Development Manager Published: The Signal, November 16, 2021 Packet Pg. 224