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Planning commission approves Vandenberg senior-housing permit amendment at 1314 South Broadway
Summary
The Planning Commission approved Permit Amendment A2023-4 to add 85 senior housing units at the existing Vandenberg senior complex, converting first-floor nonresidential space and building a new three-story apartment. A commissioner recused; the motion passed by roll call with three ayes.
The Santa Maria Planning Commission on Feb. 24 approved a permit amendment to expand senior housing at the Vandenberg site at 1314 South Broadway.
Staff told the commission the project would add 85 new senior units to an existing complex on a 4.9-acre site, including conversion of nonresidential first-floor areas and construction of a new L-shaped, three-story building of roughly 40,000 square feet. Staff said the amendment would increase the property to about 208 total dwelling units, with an average density around 42 dwelling units per acre. The applicant proposed 116 parking stalls where 88 are required and said interior unit sizes would range roughly from 370 to 800 square feet depending on unit type.
Senior planner Cody Graybell said the applicant voluntarily proposes that 100% of the new units be restricted to lower-income senior tenants (55 and older) and that a senior housing agreement would be required as a condition of approval to ensure the units remain senior housing. Graybell said the project was found exempt from further CEQA review under the class 32 (infill) exemption because the site is under five acres and the staff analysis found no new significant traffic, noise, air or water effects.
Commissioners questioned traffic and transit amenities, and staff and the project architect confirmed a bus turnout and shelter would be provided on Stoll Road and that a planned class-1 shared-use path would connect pedestrians and bicyclists as part of the project. Commissioners also asked about repainting and refurbishing the existing Vandenberg sign and the form of the tower element; the applicant said the existing building would be repainted to match the new scheme and the sign would be refurbished to retain historical character. The applicant said most interior conversions were non-load-bearing and would not trigger broad structural reconstruction, though mechanical or building systems work would be required in places.
One commissioner recused from the Vandenberg item, citing the proximity of their home to the project. After discussion a commissioner moved to approve Permit Amendment A2023-4 and another commissioner seconded. The roll call recorded three ayes (Commissioner Seifert, Commissioner Lopez and Chair Blanco) and the motion carried.
The commission's approval advances the amendment to the usual next steps for ministerial and building permits; staff and the applicant said they would coordinate final plan checks and permit processing.
