Porterville PRC reviews proposal to split parcel at 15409 Road 223 under urban lot-split law

The Porterville Project Review Committee on May 21, 2025 examined a proposal to split a parcel at 15409 Road 223 using Californias urban lot split provision and provided staff comments; there was no formal vote or permit decision at the meeting.

Planning staff told the committee the subject property is zoned RS-2 (low-density residential) with a general plan designation of low density residential and that the proposed division would not meet the RS-2 districts minimum requirements as a conventional subdivision. Staff said the applicant may instead pursue an "urban lot split" under Government Code section 66411.7 if it can meet that statutes findings.

Planning staff described the statutory and local parameters likely to apply: newly created lots generally must be at least 2,500 square feet and not less than 40% of the original parcels size, subject to the codes findings. Staff also summarized fees and timing the applicant should expect: a tentative parcel map application fee of $1,500; a $79 fee for preparation of a minor land-division environmental document (staff said the project may qualify for an exemption); a county filing fee of $58 payable to the Tulare County Clerk for the notice of exemption; and a final map fee of $955. Staff noted a tentative map approval would allow up to two years to finalize the map, with possible extensions.

Representatives from engineering, fire and public works reported no comments or outstanding departmental holds on the lot-split proposal during the meeting. Planning indicated those departmental comments and the conditions for an urban lot split would be included in a written comment letter to the applicant, expected to be mailed in about two weeks.

No members of the public attended in person, and no public comments were received online. The committee did not open or take a formal vote on the parcel map; staff only provided preliminary comments and next steps.

Staff members present for roll call included City Planner Jeff O'Neil and Assistant Planner Rocio Mejia; Javier Sanchez, engineering and project management director; Fire Marshal Clayton Dignam; Public Works Field Services Manager Robert Alvarez; and Water Utility Superintendent David Payne. The meeting opened at 1:33 p.m. and concluded at 1:39 p.m.

Next steps recorded in the meeting: planning staff will prepare and mail a comment letter to the applicant in approximately two weeks detailing the urban lot-split findings and the fees and timelines noted above.