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Council adopts mitigated negative declaration and introduces ordinance to amend SP11 grading limits
Summary
After a multi‑year process and public comment, Council adopted a mitigated negative declaration and introduced Ordinance 1319 to amend grading limits in Specific Plan 11 (planning area 1), allowing up to 1,000 cubic yards of additional grading with mitigation requirements; motion passed 5‑0.
The City Council adopted the revised Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) and introduced Ordinance 1319, which amends grading limits in Specific Plan 11 (planning area 1), after staff presentation and a public hearing with residents.
Staff summarized a multi‑year process that began in 2020, describing revisions to an earlier environmental analysis, consultant peer review and a reduction in required mitigation measures after additional biological review. Staff said the amendment would allow up to 1,000 cubic yards of additional grading for properties in planning area 1; grading for one pool or spa would not count toward the 1,000‑cubic‑yard allowance but would still be subject to MND surveys and mitigation measures.
Community members who live in Area 1 addressed the council. John Bein, who identified his address in the area, criticized prior HOA leadership and urged the council to approve the amendment, saying the existing limits unduly restricted property owners. "It should have never cost the city this kind of money," he said, urging resolution of the issue after a long process. Another resident, Art Berer, described the difficulty of developing steep lots and supported the change so property owners can maintain and develop their land.
Council members and staff acknowledged the long history of the item. Staff said the revised MND had been recirculated for public comment and that the California Department of Fish and Wildlife had provided input; some CDFW recommendations were incorporated and others were not where staff determined additional surveys were unnecessary. Staff and consultants told the council the revised MND remains compliant with CEQA standards.
Council member motioned to adopt Resolution 2024‑489 to adopt the revised Mitigated Negative Declaration and to introduce Ordinance 1319 (Municipal Code Text Amendment 20‑05) to amend Chapter 18.51 (Specific Plan 11). The motion passed on a roll call/voice vote with no opposition (vote recorded as 5‑0). The mayor and council thanked residents and staff for perseverance through the process.
Next steps: The ordinance introduction was read and will return for further readings/consideration per the municipal code process; staff will monitor and enforce mitigation and survey requirements for qualifying properties under the MND.
