REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action on Time Extension for the Residential Mixed-Use Project located at 2232-2240 El Camino Real
Report
BACKGROUND
On October 24, 2017, the City Council approved a rezone of the two adjoining properties at 2232-2240 El Camino Real from Community Commercial (CC) to Planned Development (PD) to allow development of an age restricted (senior housing) residential mixed-use project. The Planned Development zoning allows redevelopment of the subject property from a commercial use to a mixed-use development consisting of 17,909 square feet of ground floor retail and 151 senior apartment units above the retail, amenity space, community room, associated parking, landscaping and site improvements.
The project has not been constructed and the approved Planned Development zoning is conditioned to expire on October 24, 2019. The applicant filed a request for a two-year extension of the Planned Development zoning on January 4, 2019. The Santa Clara City Code (Section 18.54.070 (b)) provides for time extensions for a period not to exceed two years for each extension and requires that requests be made in writing prior to the expiration of the entitlement. The applicant’s request letter is attached to this report.
DISCUSSION
The time extension request was considered at a noticed public hearing by the Planning Commission on February 27, 2019. There were no community members speaking for or against the request at the hearing. There was limited discussion by the Planning Commission on whether any elements of the project could be modified. Planning Commission Chair Jain inquired as to whether the applicant could provide additional affordable units beyond the five of the residential units that are available to renters of moderate income (120 percent Area Median Income) or lower which were approved with the Planned Development Zoning in 2017. Staff informed the Planning Commission that time limit extensions for approved entitlements are governed by Section 18.54.070 of the Santa Clara City Code and that amending the approved entitlement or its conditions is not under the purview of a time extension request.
The Planning Commission recommended approval (5-0-0-1) of the two-year extension of the existing entitlement.
City Council approval of the attached resolution will extend the rezoning to October 24, 2021.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
A Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) was prepared for the project by the environmental consultant firm David J. Powers & Associates, Inc., in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). A detailed discussion of the potential impacts and mitigation measures to be applied to the project are specified in the MND and would be implemented through project conditions of approval and the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) for the proposed project. The MND and MMRP were adopted by the City Council for the current entitlement.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no impact to the City for processing the requested application other than administrative staff 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
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 <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
On March 29, 2019, the notice of public meeting for this item was posted at three conspicuous locations within 300 feet of the project site and was mailed to property owners within 500 feet of the project site.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Approve a two-year extension of the rezone from Community Commercial (CC) to Planned Development (PD) for the residential mixed-use project located at 2232-2240 El Camino Real.
Staff
Reviewed by: Andrew Crabtree, Director of Community Development
Approved by: Deanna J. Santana, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Planning Commission Staff Report of 02/27/2019
2. Excerpt of Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of 02/27/2019
3. Applicant’s Request Letter
4. Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring or Reporting Program (CEQA link)
5. Development Plans
6. Resolution for Rezoning Extension
7. Conditions of Approval for Rezoning