Zoning administrator approves two-unit condominium subdivision at 236 West El Portal

Zoning Administrator Adam Matamian on Wednesday approved a tentative parcel map to allow separate ownership of two condominium units at 236 West El Portal, concluding the project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act.

Project planner Laura Corey presented the staff report for public hearing project PHP 25-026, describing a 5,223-square-foot interior lot currently under construction as a Spanish Colonial Revival duplex. Corey said the front unit (Unit A) totals about 1,946 square feet and the rear unit (Unit B) about 2,229 square feet, and that the proposal would create 1,452 square feet of common area that includes a four-car tandem garage, vestibule, stairs and landing. Corey told the zoning administrator the project "conforms to the general plan and the zoning ordinance. No variance or exceptions are required." (Laura Corey, project planner.)

Corey recommended that the zoning administrator determine the project is categorically exempt under the CEQA guidelines cited in the staff report and adopt Resolution ZA 25-025 to approve the tentative parcel map subject to the attached conditions of approval. The staff report references County of Orange file 2024163 and notes the site is in the coastal zone and will require any applicable Coastal Commission review.

During the hearing, Adam Matamian said he had visited the site and reviewed code-compliance records and that he "can make all the project findings" in the proposed resolution. He moved to accept staff’s recommendation, determine the project exempt from CEQA, and adopt Resolution ZA 25-025 approving the tentative parcel map. The motion carried by the zoning administrator; no roll-call vote was recorded in the transcript and no member votes were taken on the record.

Members of the public and nearby residents spoke in favor of the project. Neighbor Matthew Calisco described improvements on the block since the current owners took possession and said he had not observed problems at the rental operation. In closing remarks, Matamian noted that the approval is limited to subdividing the airspace for separate ownership and that conditions of approval and CC&Rs will establish maintenance responsibilities for common areas.

The zoning administrator closed the public hearing and approved the resolution. Any required Coastal Commission review or other permits identified in the staff report remain separate processes.