Planning Commission approves two‑unit small‑lot subdivision at 2308 Santa Ana Avenue

The Costa Mesa Planning Commission on Monday, Aug. 11, approved design review PA‑23‑14 and tentative parcel map 2023‑117 to subdivide 2308 Santa Ana Avenue into two parcels and construct two two‑story detached single‑family homes, voting 7‑0 to adopt the resolution finding the project exempt from CEQA and approving the entitlements.

The commission’s action implements staff recommendations and a set of conditions of approval that include requirements for on‑site sprinklers, rooftop solar installed prior to final building inspection, driveway surfacing, a traffic impact fee and stormwater controls. The approval followed public testimony raising concerns about notice timing, potential second‑story privacy impacts, drainage and the applicant’s use of palm trees in the landscape plan.

Staff presentation and project details

Caitlin Curley, assistant planner, told the commission the application proposes a small‑lot residential subdivision on an existing 9,450‑square‑foot parcel at the southeast corner of Santa Ana Avenue and 20th/Third Street. The tentative parcel map would create two lots and two two‑story residences; Parcel 1 is described as 2,623 square feet of living area with a 430‑square‑foot attached garage and Parcel 2 is 3,031 square feet of living area with a 427‑square‑foot attached garage. Curley said the proposed building heights measured from finished grade are 26 feet 5 inches for Unit 1 and 26.5 feet for Unit 2.

Curley advised the commission that staff recommends finding the project categorically exempt from CEQA under Guidelines section 15315 (minor divisions of land) and section 15303 (new construction of small structures), and that staff corrected an item in the draft resolution to state the project is subject to a…