Planning commission approves Monte Vista residential subdivision using state density bonus

Planning commissioners on Thursday approved a tentative subdivision map and site development plan for the Monte Vista Residential project (planning case P24‑0139), authorizing construction of 19 single‑family homes on a vacant 6.47‑acre parcel at 1800 Monte Vista Drive.

The move came after staff said the project qualifies for a state density bonus and related concessions under California Government Code section 65915 and Senate Bill 330; the motion to approve the staff recommendation passed after a motion by Commissioner Grimm and a second from Commissioner Martin.

Staff presentation and legal context

Chris Winters, planning staff, told the commission the site is designated low‑density in the general plan and zoned E‑1 (estates residential), which ordinarily allows roughly 2 dwelling units per acre and a minimum half‑acre lot size. Under the city’s calculations the base density for the 6.47‑acre site would allow 13 homes. Winters said the applicant is proposing 19 homes at 2.93 dwelling units per acre and that two units are proposed to be reserved for very‑low‑income households, enabling the applicant to claim a 50% density bonus under the state density bonus law (California Government Code section 65915) and related municipal code provisions.

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