REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action on a Rezone from PD - Planned Development to MH - Heavy Industrial for the Properties Located at 700 Mathew Street to Allow Reestablishment of Industrial Use for the Property for a Metal Fabrication and Spinning Business
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Promote and Enhance Economic, Housing and Transportation Development
BACKGROUND
On February 16, 2023, Brian Brown with HPC Architecture (“Applicant”), on behalf of Andrew Czisch with QMS Shields (“Owner”) filed an application (File No. PLN23-00054) to change the use of two parcels (APNs: 224-03-086 and 224-03-000) located at 700 Mathew Street. The proposal includes interior changes and site improvements to use the existing buildings on the site for a Heavy Industrial use of metal fabrication/spinning for the business operating as Quality Metal Spinning.
The project site is currently vacant and was previously occupied by a business, “Off the Wall Soccer”, and warehouse use. In 2005, the City Council approved a request to rezone the parcel (APN: 224-04-082) from Heavy Industrial (MH) to Planned Development (PD) and a Tentative Parcel Map to subdivide the property into two parcels with one common area parcel. This created three parcels- Parcel One (700 Mathew Street, APN: 224-03-086), Parcel Two (2201 Lafayette Street, APN: 224-03-087) and Parcel Three (Parking lot along Mathew Street, APN: 224-03-000). The rezoning was approved with specific conditions of approval restricting the use of Parcel One to warehouse use or a soccer recreational facility that was an existing approved use through a previous Use Permit. A parking variance was also approved by the Planning Commission at that time.
The current application includes only Parcel One (warehouse/former indoor recreation) and Parcel Three (surface parking lot). Given the specific uses allowed in the existing PD zoning, the proposal to use this site for Heavy Industrial use (Quality Metal Spinning) requires a Rezone from Planned Development (PD) to Heavy Industrial (MH). The proposed project also includes a request for Variance for parking, and a reduction of the required front setback and landscaping in the Heavy Industrial Zoning district.
DISCUSSION
The proposed rezone to MH from PD would allow for a reestablishment of heavy industrial use, which was the original use at this site. The applicant proposes to use the property for a metal fabrication/spinning business, but with the rezoning to MH, the property could be used for any of the permitted uses in the MH zone, such as manufacturing, outdoor storage, and laboratories. The project site consists of two developed parcels (Parcels 224-03-086 and 224-03-000) and existing structures on the site will meet all the development standards and regulations listed in Chapter 18.50, Heavy Industrial Zoning District, with the exception of the required front setback and landscaping, as the existing building was built at the property line.
On June 14, 2023, the Planning Commission reviewed the application for the Rezone and Variance. The Planning Commission staff report (Attachment #1) provides an analysis of the project’s conformance to the General Plan and the substandard lot size and dimensions which were created by the previous rezoning and tentative map approved in 2005. The analysis concludes that the existing circumstances support the granting of the Variance.
The proposal was placed on the consent calendar for the Planning Commission agenda and was approved unanimously without any discussion.
The Planning Commission recommended approval of the rezoning and approved the Variance request for parking, required front setback and landscaping.
Rezoning applications require approval by the Council after the Planning Commission has reviewed and provided a recommendation.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The proposed project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) per CEQA Guidelines section 15301 (Class 1 - “Existing Facilities”), because the proposal involves an interior remodel and exterior modifications to the site without expanding the existing buildings.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to the City for processing the requested application other than administrative time and expense typically covered by processing fees paid by the applicant.
COORDINATION
This report has been coordinated with the City Attorney’s Office.
PUBLIC CONTACT
On June 1, 2023, a notice of the Planning Commission and City Council Hearings for this item was posted in three conspicuous locations within 300 feet of the project site and mailed to property owners within 300 feet of the project site.
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
At the time of this staff report, the Planning staff has not received public comments in support or opposition to the proposed project.
ALTERNATIVES
1. Determine that the Project is categorically exempt under Section 15301 (Class 1 Existing Facilities) of the CEQA Guidelines;
2. Adopt a resolution approving the Rezone from Planned Development (PD) to Heavy Industrial (MH) for the property located at 700 Mathew Street, subject to conditions of approval.
3. Deny the Rezone from Planned Development (PD) to Heavy Industrial (MH) for the property located at 700 Mathew Street, subject to conditions of approval.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
1. Determine that the Project is categorically exempt under Section 15301 (Class 1Existing Facilities) of the CEQA Guidelines;
2. Adopt a resolution approving the Rezone from Planned Development (PD) to Heavy Industrial (MH) for the property located at 700 Mathew Street, subject to conditions of approval.
Staff
Reviewed by: Andrew Crabtree, Director of Community Development
Approved by: Jōvan D. Grogan, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Planning Commission Staff Report of June 14, 2023
2. Resolution approving the Rezone
3. Applicant Statement of Justification and Operational Plan
4. Development Plans