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Capitola planning commission approves tentative map to split 723 El Salto Drive into two lots
Summary
The Capitola Planning Commission approved a tentative map to divide a 36,000-square-foot property at 723 El Salto Drive into two R‑1 lots, with conditions addressing archaeology, biology, geologic setbacks, parking and an outstanding garage inspection.
The Capitola Planning Commission on Thursday approved a tentative map to split the property at 723 El Salto Drive into two residential lots, with conditions to address archaeological sensitivity, environmentally sensitive habitat and bluff‑retreat setbacks.
Staff said the existing 36,000‑square‑foot parcel, located on the east end of El Salto Drive near the Monarch Cove Inn, conforms to R‑1 lot standards and coastal‑zone rules and that the proposed parcels would each exceed the 5,000‑square‑foot minimum and meet width and depth requirements. The commission voted unanimously to approve the tentative map with the staff‑recommended conditions.
The commission’s decision requires the applicant to perform preconstruction surveys and to comply with standard monitoring and stop‑work protocols if archaeological resources or human remains are discovered. A biologist must conduct nesting‑bird and monarch‑butterfly surveys before construction. A geologic engineer must map the 50‑year bluff retreat line; staff said the mapped setback reduces the buildable envelope on the lot marked Parcel B to roughly 2,600 square feet.
Staff also recommended two project‑specific conditions: the applicant must reopen and finalize an incomplete permit for a previously built four‑car garage on Parcel A, and the applicant must provide a driveway to supply two covered parking spaces, or two uncovered spaces for the very small accessory cottage proposed on Parcel B (the existing cottage is under 500 square feet). Staff noted the site’s prior approvals from 2011 had expired before the map was recorded.
David Dodds, who identified himself as trustee of the Douglas D. Dodds Estate and the property owner, introduced himself at the hearing but offered no further comment. Commissioners praised the technical reports and supported the proposal as a way to add housing while retaining required coastal protections. The commission approved the tentative map by roll call vote, 5‑0.
The commission’s approval is for the tentative map stage only; subsequent milestones include required subdivision improvements, utility coordination and recording of a final map with the county. The approved conditions and studies must be completed before final map recordation or issuance of building permits.
