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Council moves to allow ministerial processing for two‑unit small‑lot projects, lowers fee
Summary
Council introduced an amendment to the Costa Mesa Municipal Code to allow ministerial processing for two‑unit small‑lot projects (to mirror SB 9) and approved a fee reduction for ministerial subdivision applications; first reading passed 5–1.
The City Council on Jan. 20 held the first reading of an ordinance to amend Title 13 of the Costa Mesa Municipal Code to provide a ministerial pathway for two‑unit small‑lot projects, aligning local procedures with California Senate Bill 9.
Senior planner Chris Yeager told the council the change would allow ministerial processing (no discretionary hearing) where an application meets objective standards checked off by staff, reduce processing time and increase opportunities for fee‑simple homeownership on small lots. Staff recommended finding the project exempt from CEQA under the general rule and adopting an associated fee resolution that reduces the current application fee from roughly $8,000 to $2,800.
Council discussion focused on neighbor notice and recourse: if a project complies with objective standards it would not trigger neighbor notification; deviations that require administrative adjustments or variances would generate notice. A public commenter said the approach could open Pandora’s box for parking and neighborhood impacts. The council introduced the ordinance and adopted the fee resolution; the motion carried 5–1 with Council Member Pettis voting no.
What happens next: The ordinance was introduced by first reading; staff will return with final ordinance language for adoption at a later meeting.
