The Porterville Parcel Map Committee on Oct. 29 approved a tentative parcel map to divide a 1.9-acre vacant property at the northwest corner of Park Street and Warren Avenue (APN 253070030) into four lots.

City staff said the proposed parcels (Parcel 1: 15,273 square feet; Parcel 2: 8,362 square feet; Parcel 3: 8,313 square feet; Parcel 4: 8,331 square feet) comply with the dimensional requirements of the RM‑1 zone and the Porterville Development Ordinance, and that the environmental coordinator preliminarily determined the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under the CEQA Guidelines for minor land divisions (Guidelines section 15315). "The land division proposed by the tentative parcel map meets the development code requirements," staff told the committee.

Why it matters: RM‑1 is intended for low- to mid-density residential forms such as duplexes, townhomes and garden apartments. During the public hearing a member of the public, identified as Chris, asked whether single‑family homes could be built on the new lots. Oscar Cebeda, chairperson, replied that "single family development is not . . . permitted" in RM‑1 except through a small‑lot subdivision, and emphasized the zone is intended for multifamily uses.

The committee also clarified how a recent ordinance update affects this map. Staff stated that a development code update adopted in 2024 and effective January 2025 changes allowable uses for new development; however, if a tentative map was accepted for processing before the ordinance took effect, the city applies the provisions that were in force at the time it was accepted for processing. Staff and the applicant discussed that, because this map was submitted in July 2022 and accepted for processing prior to the ordinance effective date, the applicant may proceed under the earlier standards in effect when the map was accepted.

The Committee adopted the draft resolution approving the tentative map, subject to the conditions listed in the staff report and to future development meeting all Porterville Development Ordinance requirements. A motion to approve passed unanimously on roll call (three ayes). Jeff O'Neil acted as delegate for Community Development Director Claudia Calderon during the vote.

What happens next: The applicant must submit final map materials and fees to the engineering division and complete the listed conditions of approval. Staff advised the conditions appear minor and indicated the engineering division would review the final map prior to recordation.