Design Review Commission grants one‑year extension for Delmar mixed‑use project

The Design Review Commission on Oct. 27 adopted a resolution approving a one‑year extension for planning case PPD25‑009, extending the expiration of the project's precise plan of design to allow the applicant additional time to complete plan check and secure financing.

Staff told the commission the project comprises three parcels totaling slightly more than 40,000 square feet within the Valley Boulevard Specific Plan area and is zoned MUCR. The applicant previously received DRC approval on Oct. 23, 2023 and an administrative one‑year extension on Jan. 7, 2025; staff said the current request is limited to a single additional year. The staff report noted the project seeks concessions under the state density bonus law in exchange for providing 10% affordable units and that no changes to the approved project are proposed that would trigger additional CEQA review; staff cited CEQA Guidelines section 15332 (Class 32 infill exemption).

Applicant Rob Tyler of Tyler Kelly Architects said the project has faced multiple plan‑check rounds and external coordination issues, including with Southern California Edison and outside consultants, and that financing and general‑contractor bidding remain active parts of the schedule. “We’re in round 5. I think we’ve got 2 small corrections left,” Tyler said, and asked the commission to grant the extension so the design would not be subject to value‑engineering revisions.

Commissioners cited market and plan‑check delays since the pandemic and supported the extension as a way to preserve the approved design and encourage construction. Commissioner Chang moved to approve the staff recommendation; Commissioner Lopez seconded. The roll call vote recorded three yes votes (Chang, Lopez, Chair Romo) with two commissioners absent, and the motion passed.

What the action means: approval extends the life of the PPD for one additional year as requested; no new design changes or environmental review were required by staff at this time. The extension allows the applicant additional time to complete remaining plan‑check corrections, finalize contractor bids and secure loan approvals before entitlement expiration.

Provenance: staff presentation and recommendation (staff report and Christine’s presentation at 00:05:56) and applicant remarks and vote (applicant presentation at 00:10:57; motion and roll call at 00:16:48).

Clarifying details: the site covers just over 40,000 square feet across three parcels; the proposal is a five‑story mixed‑use building originally approved in 2023; the project includes 10% affordable units in exchange for FAR and height concessions under the state density bonus law; previous administrative extension set a PPD expiration of 11/07/2025, and the applicant requested one additional year; staff cited CEQA Guidelines §15332 (Class 32 infill exemption).