Council approves rezoning, negative declaration for 56‑unit Vasquez apartments at 1274 West Pico

The El Centro City Council approved a general plan amendment, rezoning and related environmental finding for a proposed 56‑unit apartment complex at 1274 West Pico Avenue.

Staff said the applicant seeks to rezone approximately 2.39 acres from R‑1 (single‑family) to R‑3 (multi‑family) and construct two buildings with 56 units (42 two‑bedroom and 16 three‑bedroom units), totaling about 128 bedrooms. The applicant’s revised site plan includes two driveways and an internal turnaround; staff said the changes addressed council concerns about emergency ingress and egress.

A traffic study completed for the project found no significant roadway impacts on the Pico/Imperial and local intersections and the project was determined to be vehicle‑miles‑traveled (VMT) efficient given its proximity to existing services, jobs and transit. Imperial Irrigation District wrote that electric service capacity exists but detailed service connections will be resolved through the utility provider during permitting.

Councilmembers asked about parking and buffering to adjacent single‑family lots. Staff and the applicant clarified the project proposes 108 parking spaces; the site plan includes perimeter screening and a block wall along the western property line between the new development and neighboring properties. Applicant representatives said the design includes 20 ground‑floor units that are intended for seniors or residents needing single‑level access.

The council adopted the negative declaration and approved the rezoning and implementing ordinance; roll‑call votes were recorded and each measure passed 5‑0. Staff noted building permits, utility coordination and any required inspections remain to be completed before construction.