Planning commission approves resubmitted Chima subdivision map for five estate lots

The Sutter County Planning Commission approved a resubmitted tentative subdivision map and use permit to divide an approximately 10-acre parcel near the northeast corner of Berry Road and Camino Avenue into five estate residential lots.

Luis Enrique Hernandez, assistant planner, told the commission the application is a resubmittal of a previously approved project (original approval later expired because the final map was not recorded). The parcel is zoned State Residential and the staff report relies on a previously adopted mitigated negative declaration (MT 7 335), which staff said remains valid because there have been no changes to the project or surrounding area that would require further environmental review. Hernandez said the subdivision would generate fewer than 110 daily vehicle trips, which staff characterized as a less-than-significant transportation impact under SB 743.

The project proposes agricultural buffer reductions along adjoining agricultural parcels with mitigation including a 6–7 foot solid masonry wall along part of Lot 5 to provide additional buffering between residences and adjacent agricultural uses.

Commissioners asked whether the county’s right-to-farm disclosure would appear on recorded maps and whether septic and leach-line requirements might affect future dwellings. Hernandez clarified the right-to-farm disclosure is provided to buyers at the time of purchase rather than recorded on the map, and staff and Environmental Health reviewed the parcel and indicated the existing septic system could serve the proposed home(s) under current conditions.

Project consultant Jim Whitaker said the resubmittal followed staff direction and that the applicants resubmitted after earlier administrative deadlines had lapsed.

No public opposition was recorded at the hearing. The commission moved, seconded and approved the project as presented by staff.