Commission approves tentative parcel map for Black Gold Builders on Vista Chino

The Cathedral City Planning Commission on April 15 approved a tentative parcel map (26-00001) to subdivide a developed 1.55-acre commercial parcel on Vista Chino, east of Date Palm Drive, into two parcels. Staff reported the site is fully developed and no new site improvements are proposed as part of the map.

Staff said the map complies with the zoning and general plan, noted parcel sizes of approximately 40,000 square feet for Parcel 1 and about 27,500 square feet for Parcel 2, and recommended the commission adopt a notice of exemption under CEQA and approve the tentative map subject to attached conditions, including recorded covenants, conditions and restrictions or a recorded reciprocal access and maintenance agreement for shared facilities such as parking and trash enclosures.

Commissioners asked whether those agreements must be executed before final map acceptance; staff confirmed they are required and the map will not be accepted for final recordation until the agreements or acceptable CC&Rs are in place. Applicant Mark Chapel (Black Gold Builders) clarified ownership questions raised by the commission, stating that the parcels containing the Arco and the cell tower are owned by a separate entity (though there is a familial relationship between owners).

Commissioner Melikoth moved and Vice Chair Me seconded a motion to find the project exempt from CEQA pursuant to section 15315 of the CEQA guidelines and approve the tentative parcel map. The motion carried with all ayes. The map proceeds subject to the listed conditions of approval and the required recorded agreements prior to final map acceptance.