Council grants one-year extension for Parlier Family Apartments site plan, with caveat on PLHA funds

The Parlier City Council on Thursday approved a one-year extension to the approved site plan for the Parlier Family Apartments, a Danco Communities project on Tuolumne Avenue, extending the plan’s effective date through April 6, 2026, and requiring that the city not draw down related PLHA funds until the project proceeds.

The extension was requested by the applicant after prior funding sources fell through; city staff emphasized that the extension is allowed by the previous conditions of approval but warned that drawing on the $5,000,000 PLHA grant before the project advances would expose the city to repayment risk. "If any of that money is spent, and then the project doesn't proceed, the city would be responsible for paying back the entire $5,000,000," city staff said during the presentation.

Geoff, the staff presenter, told the council the original 2021 approval allowed a two-year validity that was later revised in 2023 to a 55-unit plan; that approval was set to expire April 6, 2025. He said the applicant has pursued tax credits and other funding; under the existing condition council can grant a single one-year extension to April 6, 2026. "At this time, they're requesting that one-year extension that the condition allows them to request, and that the City Council can grant," Geoff said.

Council discussion focused on the length of time the project has been inactive and financial risk to the city if PLHA funds are expended prematurely. One council member said they would support the extension so long as no city funds are drawn down until the developer secures funding and moves toward obtaining permits. There were no requests for additional changes to the approved site plan; staff confirmed the request does not alter prior plan approvals.

Council voted to approve the extension (vote recorded as 5-0). The council did not authorize any drawdown or expenditure of PLHA funds as part of this approval; staff reiterated the city should not spend PLHA grant funds until the developer demonstrates financial and permitting progress.

The city will allow the site-plan approval to remain valid through April 6, 2026; if the developer has not made measurable progress by that date a full site-plan review and discretionary council action will be required for further extensions or restart of the project.

Details about the project financing and any specific timeline for Danco Communities to seek permits were not specified at the meeting. The council’s approval preserves the existing conditions of approval and places the city on record that it will not draw down PLHA funds until the project advances.