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Council grants final one-year extension for 11 Hill Circle subdivision; applicant told the clock is now near final deadline
Summary
The Salinas City Council unanimously approved a one-year time extension to a tentative map and associated planned unit development that would subdivide a 7.75-acre site into 37 residential lots; staff warned the extension is final under the Subdivision Map Act and the applicant must record the final map by April 13, 2026 or reapply.
The Salinas City Council voted unanimously on Aug. 12 to grant the developer a one-year extension — the final allowable extension under the Subdivision Map Act and local ordinance — for a tentative map originally approved in 2019 to subdivide a 7.75-acre parcel into 37 residential lots (the related planned unit development permit will be extended to match the new one-year timeframe).
What was approved: Staff briefed council that the project, situated between East Laurel Drive and Madera Avenue, includes challenging topography, a creek that traverses the site and environmental mitigation tied to a Mitigated Negative Declaration adopted in an earlier approval. Council approved a one-year extension; staff told the applicant and council that the clock for recording a final map will expire on April 13, 2026, and if a final map is not recorded the applicant must return with a new PUD and tentative map.
Environmental and permitting context: The project includes mitigation measures tied to creek setbacks, floodplain and habitat protections identified in the Mitigated Negative Declaration; staff noted federal, state and local regulatory touchpoints (California Department of Fish and Wildlife/"Fish and Game" contacts, Army Corps permitting considerations). Council and staff discussed what constitutes “substantial” construction to meet PUD vesting requirements; staff and applicant agreed to follow up with a meeting to define whether horizontal infrastructure work qualifies as substantial construction for vesting the permit.
Vote and attendance: The council vote to extend the map was unanimous among members present. Councilmember Dela Rosa was absent. The record shows the following vote: Barajas — yes; Barrera — yes; Dirigo — yes; Salazar — yes; Sandoval — yes; Mayor Donahue — yes.
Applicant comment: Applicant John Filagera, who has been working on the property for several years, addressed the council by phone and said the project team has worked to resolve Fish and Game and bonding issues and has a development partner prepared to proceed; he described removing encampments and site cleanup work and said the team expects to be able to record and begin construction if allowed time to finish regulatory and bonding prerequisites.
Next steps: The extension is a final one-year extension under state and local rules; staff will continue to coordinate with the applicant on the PUD and mapping milestones and will expect the applicant to apply for any additional approvals if they cannot meet the April 13, 2026 deadline.
