TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: David Chantarangsu, AICIP, Development Services Director
PREPARED BY: Aaron Rintamaki, Associate Planner
SUBJECT:
title
Continued Hearing - Appeal of Planning Commission decision adopting a Mitigated Negative Declaration for Development Plan Permit 2022-2605/2023-00006 (DP-2022-2605/2023-00006) Murrieta Hot Springs at Jefferson Apartments
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RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Based on productive conversations with the developer and the need for additional time to reach an agreement, continue the item to an August 20, 2024 hearing date.
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PRIOR ACTION/VOTE
On March 27, 2024, the Planning Commission held a public hearing and approved Development Plan Permit 2022-2605/2023-00006 via Planning Commission Resolution No. PC-2024-03, to construct the Project. (Vote: 3-1-1).
On May 7, 2024, the City Council held the scheduled public hearing to consider the Appeal, opened the public hearing, received public testimony, and voted to continue the hearing to July 2, 2024 (Vote 5-0).
CITY COUNCIL GOAL
Maintain a high performing organization that values fiscal sustainability, transparency, accountability and organizational efficiency.
BACKGROUND
On March 27, 2024, the Planning Commission approved Development Plan Permit 2022-2605/2023-00006 to construct 387 multi-family apartment units, totaling 521,178 square feet on an 18-acre parcel (Project). The Planning Commission’s approval consisted of two actions, which encompassed the approval of a Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act and the approval of a Development Plan pursuant to Murrieta Municipal Code (MMC) Chapter 16.56 for the development of vacant property.
On April 1, 2024, Council Member DeForest (Appellant) filed an appeal (Appeal) of the Planning Commission’s approval of the MND and the project with the City Clerk but only the CEQA appeal is before the City Council at this time. The Appeal was filed in a timely manner since it occurred within 10 days of the Commission’s action.
On May 7, 2024, the City Council held a public hearing to consider the appeal. Staff provided a presentation to the City Council identifying the public safety concerns, and the applicant provided their presentation and rebuttal to the staff’s presentation. After the public hearing closed, the City Council asked the applicant to reconsider changing the site design to align with the project across the street. The City Council voted to continue the hearing to July 2, 2024, and to have a follow-up meeting between the applicant, appellant, and staff.
Meet and Confer
When an appeal is filed, the Development Code requires that a Meet and Confer meeting occur before the appeal is heard by the City Council. Staff scheduled the required Meet and Confer on May 1, 2024. On May 1, 2024, the applicant, appellant, and City staff met, and no agreements were made.
Following the May 7, 2024, City Council meeting, a follow-up to the meet and confer was held. Staff have attended two meetings since the City Council hearing. The first was with the applicant and the appellant. A second meeting was held between the applicant and the Mayor. Staff are following up on the discussions from the two recent meetings to ensure that the appellant is fully informed.
FISCAL IMPACT
None.
ATTACHMENTS
None.