REPORT TO PLANNING COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Action on a Vesting Tentative Map for 5185 Lafayette Street for the Proposed Development of a 198-Unit Housing Development with Four Commercial Condominiums (CEQA: Addendum to the Tasman East Specific Plan EIR)
Report
REPORT IN BRIEF
Applicant: Ensemble Investments
Owner: Ensemble Investments
General Plan: Transit Neighborhood
Zoning: Transit Neighborhood
Site Area: 0.90-acre
Existing Site Conditions: A single-story industrial building with surface parking.
Surrounding Land Uses:
North: Industrial
South: Multi-family residential (under construction)
East: Industrial
West: Lafayette Street / railroad
Issues: Consistency with the City’s General Plan and conformance with the Subdivision Map Act.
Staff Recommendation: Approve the Vesting Tentative Map for 198 residential condominium units, four commercial condominium units, one residential parking condominium unit, and one commercial parking condominium unit at 5185 Lafayette Street, subject to findings and conditions of approval.
BACKGROUND
The Applicant, Ensemble Investments, is requesting approval of a Vesting Tentative Map (PLN23-00216) to subdivide one existing parcel into 198 residential condominium units, four commercial condominium units, one residential parking condominium unit, and one commercial parking condominium unit. The Vesting Tentative Map supports the development of a 21-story, 198-unit multi-family residential development.
The project site is located on the northeast corner of the intersection of Calle De Luna and Lafayette Street within the Tasman East Specific Plan. The Architectural Review of the 21-story multifamily building was approved at the Development Review Hearing (DRH) on October 18, 2023, finding the project consistent with the applicable requirements of the Zoning Ordinance and the Tasman East Specific Plan.
Planning Commission review and a recommendation to the City Council are required under Santa Clara City Code (SCCC) section 17.05.300(g) for Subdivision Map applications. Vesting Tentative Maps are ultimately approved by the City Council.
DISCUSSION
Subdivision Map applications are reviewed for General Plan and Zoning Code consistency, and conformance with the Subdivision Map Act. Under the Subdivision Map Act (California Government Code § 66474(a)), a developer has the right to indicate that a map application will be proceeding as a “vesting” map, which gives the developer a right, upon map approval, to develop in substantial compliance with the ordinances, policies, and standards in effect on the date in which the developer’s application is complete.
Because the site has already received architectural review approval, the Vesting Tentative Map must be consistent with that approval, as well as certain applicable zoning requirements. The Architectural Review (File No. PLN2018-13441) of the 198-unit development on the subject site was approved at the DRH on October 18, 2023.
At the DRH, the City made findings that the project is consistent with the objective standards of the TN - Transit Neighborhood Zoning District, which is consistent with the Transit Neighborhood General Plan designation.
The Subdivision Map Act requires that all subdivision maps be consistent with the General Plan, Government Code § 66474(a). The Architectural Review approval determined that the project was consistent with the General Plan. The staff report for the DRH on October 18, 2023 is provided as Attachment 3 for reference.
The proposed Vesting Tentative Map was reviewed by the City’s Subdivision Clearance Committee and determined to be complete on June 20, 2023. Staff confirmed that the proposed subdivision will not result in any inconsistencies with the General Plan and zoning designations for the property, Building Code, or other applicable requirements.
Approval of the requested Vesting Tentative Subdivision Map will facilitate the development of a project consistent with the City’s Zoning Code and General Plan, thereby advancing the establishment of a new, transit-oriented residential neighborhood in proximity to jobs and in partial fulfilment of the City’s goals for the production of new housing. Findings for approval are provided in Attachment 1. Conditions of Approval have been prepared and are provided as Attachment 2.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
An Addendum to the Tasman East Specific Plan Environmental Impact Report (EIR) was prepared in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and adopted at the October 18, 2023 DRH for the 198-unit residential development. The proposed Vesting Tentative Map was contemplated by the Addendum, is consistent with the approved project, and would not result in a new impact on the environment or significantly increase the severity of any previously identified impact. Accordingly, no further environmental review under CEQA is necessary in connection with approval of the Vesting Tentative Map.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no cost to the City other than administrative staff time and expense for the processing of this application.
COORDINATION
This report has been coordinated with the City Attorney’s Office.
PUBLIC CONTACT
On November 22, 2023, a notice of public hearing was published in The Weekly, a newspaper of general circulation, and on November 22, 2023, a notice of this item was posted in three conspicuous locations within 300 feet of the project site and mailed to property owners within 1000 feet of the project site. At the time of this report, the Planning staff has not received any public comments regarding the proposed project.
Public contact was also 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 <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Adopt a resolution to recommend the City Council approve the Vesting Tentative Map to subdivide the existing lot with 198 residential condominium units, four commercial condominium units, one residential parking condominium unit, and one commercial parking condominium unit at 5185 Lafayette Street, subject to findings and conditions of approval.
Staff
Prepared by: Rebecca Bustos, Principal Planner
Reviewed by: Alexander Abbe, Assistant City Attorney
Approved by: Lesley Xavier, Planning Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution Recommending Council Approval of the Vesting Tentative Subdivision Map
2. Conditions of Vesting Tentative Map Approval
3. DRH Staff Report October 18, 2023
4. Vesting Tentative Map