Planning Commission approves 51-unit condominium at 438 West Carson Street

The Carson Planning Commission on Tuesday approved a conditional Site Plan and Design Overlay Review for a 51-unit condominium development at 438 West Carson Street.

Associate Planner Max Castillo told the commission the project is allowed in the Downtown Mixed Use (DMX) zone under the city’s zoning ordinance (section 9,212.2) and that the site carries a Downtown Mixed Use general plan designation. Castillo said the project consists of a 51-unit condominium on one parcel with an adjacent parcel occupied by a bank, that it would provide 115 parking spaces and nine bicycle spaces, and that project plans were reviewed by the city traffic engineer and the LA County Fire Department for access and emergency routing. He said five units will be deed-restricted for low-income households to qualify for a general plan exception because the ground floor does not include active commercial uses. Castillo said the project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Section 15332 (Infill Development).

The applicant, Doug Maupin, described the project’s evolution after a 2023 purchase and said the design includes an art wall along Carson Street, a parking screening wall, a ground-floor community room, and a rooftop deck with outdoor kitchens. On the commission’s question about unit mix, Commissioner Hough noted that all deed-restricted units are one-bedroom. Maupin responded, “Well, the truthful answer is money. It's expensive to give away a 2 bedroom,” and explained smaller units allow the developer to offer units below market price while meeting the deed‑restriction requirement.

A near-neighbor, Carlos Gonzales, said his parents’ 10,000-square-foot lot sits southeast of the site and asked whether windows would overlook their backyard or whether a wall would provide privacy. Maupin and staff responded that the adjacent elevation facing that yard is largely a parking structure and that screening and outreach were addressed during project design and community outreach.

Vice Chair Diaz moved to approve staff’s recommendation to adopt the resolution finding a CEQA exemption and conditionally approving Site Plan and Design Overlay Review for the 51-unit project; Commissioner Fred Doctor seconded. The commission voted to approve the motion; the chair announced the project was approved.

The commission’s approval is conditional on the project meeting the conditions contained in the staff report, including the LA County Fire Department and traffic-engineer conditions described during the presentation. Castillo and the applicant said required public notice and posting were completed.