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City approves modification to Tract Map 22291 to allow SB 9 subdivision at Lot 44 with fire-mitigation to be addressed during review
Summary
The council approved a staff-recommended modification to conditions for Lot 44 of Tract Map 22291 (7954 Everwood Ave.) to permit subdivisions consistent with SB 9; staff recommended a CEQA exemption and said fire-mitigation measures will be reviewed under separate, staff-level SB 9 procedures after the council action.
The City Council approved modifications to the conditions of approval for Tract Map 22291 that will allow Lot 44 (approximately 4.03 acres at 7954 Everwood Avenue) to be processed for potential subdivision under California Senate Bill 9.
Veronica Hernandez, senior planner, explained the proposal and told the council that the requested change aligns the tract's conditions with recent state law changes related to urban lot splits. "Staff supports this request as it will allow development of the site in accordance with state law," Hernandez said, adding that there are currently no formal entitlements for development on the site and that any future development would still be required to obtain all required permits and adhere to standards.
Julie Bjork, a resident who spoke during public comment, urged the council to ensure the record specifically addresses wildfire risk and required mitigation because Everwood Drive is a dead-end street located in a very high fire hazard area. She cited Riverside Municipal Code provisions and California Government Code language that allow SB 9 splits in very high fire hazard areas only with appropriate mitigation.
Staff replied that the applicant had held preliminary conversations with the fire department and that SB 9-specific mitigation and construction-method measures would be addressed as part of the separate SB 9 application and staff-level review. Hernandez clarified that those aspects would be considered during the permit process and are not returned to council for the procedural SB 9 clearance.
Council member Cervantes moved to approve the staff recommendation to modify the condition of approval; the motion was seconded and carried unanimously. The staff report recommended the project be found exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act because no project-level entitlements are being approved at this stage.
Next steps: Applicants seeking to subdivide under SB 9 will file the separate SB 9 application and be required to demonstrate applicable fire-mitigation measures and obtain all necessary permits at the staff-review level.
