TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: David Chantarangsu, AICP, Development Services Director
PREPARED BY: Aaron Rintamaki, Associate Planner
SUBJECT:
title
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
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. The Appeal filed with the City Clerk is included as Attachment 1. Appeal materials were subsequently received by the Development Services Director on April 19, 2024 which was 17 days prior to the appeal hearing.
The City Council's action is limited to the Appeal of the MND at this time. The City Council may take either of the following actions: 1) Uphold the Commission's decision, or 2) Set aside the Planning Commission's decision and approve the Appellant's request to appeal the Project's IS/MND. 2) Grant the CEQA appeal as to the MND and direct staff to prepare additional environmental analysis to address the environmental issues raised in the Appeal. Accordingly, the City Council should do the ...
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