Porterville’s Project Review Committee told an applicant on Sept. 10 that a proposed residential subdivision at 830 East Laurel Avenue will move ahead to the tentative‑map stage but needs several technical fixes and an environmental review.

Chairperson Oscar Cepeda summarized the proposal as “the applicant is proposing a residential subdivision located at 830 East Laurel Avenue,” and staff then walked through engineering, planning and public‑safety considerations needed before map approval.

Engineering said most site improvements are nearly complete for the first phase and that the immediate work “really just comes down to the final map processing.” Staff noted the general‑plan circulation element shows a future Henderson Avenue extension but said traffic‑count forecasts do not support requiring a four‑lane thoroughfare or dedication on this map; any change to the general‑plan alignment would be a decision for the City Council.

Planning flagged two recurring design issues: the submitted layout contains double‑frontage lots—prohibited under section 407 of the Porterville Development Code—and several lots exceed the city’s 2.5:1 length‑to‑width maximum. Planning staff said the easternmost lots can be fixed by adjusting the street angle or sweeping the roadway and that they will identify which lots need modification in the written comment letter.

An environmental assessment is required. Staff said the preliminary determination is likely a mitigated negative declaration and discussed processing options: a city task‑order contract paid by the applicant or an applicant‑retained consultant. Staff estimated CEQA processing typically takes about 90–120 days (3–5 months) in best case, with tribal notification and a 30‑day circulation period included.

Fees and noticing discussed include: tentative‑map fee $3,004 plus $39 per lot; final‑map fee $1,672 plus $40 per lot; and public‑hearing noticing (adjacent properties within 300 feet) the city can perform for $26.50. Because the proposal is under 50 lots, staff confirmed the applicant may pay an in‑lieu park fee rather than dedicate park land.

Next steps: staff will compile consolidated departmental comments and send a comment letter to the applicant in about two to three weeks. The tentative‑map application and the environmental document must be completed before a public hearing and final map approval.