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Placentia planning commission approves lot split for historic Orange Grove property despite owner objections
Summary
The Planning Commission approved TPM 2023‑43 to subdivide a roughly 0.8038‑acre historic parcel at 200 Orange Grove Avenue into two lots, retaining a staff condition requiring a new two‑car enclosed garage on Lot 1; owners said the garage would harm the home's historic character but indicated they would accept the conditions rather than withdraw.
The Placentia Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of tentative parcel map TPM 2023‑43, which subdivides a roughly 35,000‑square‑foot parcel at 200 Orange Grove Avenue into Lot 1 (19,177 sq ft) and Lot 2 (15,823 sq ft), while preserving the existing historic primary home on the southern portion of the site.
Associate Planner Leslie Whitaker told commissioners that the primary structure is listed on Placentia's 2002 Historic Resource Survey and that, to meet Placentia Municipal Code parking requirements (PMC chapter 23.78), staff included Condition 8 requiring construction of a new two‑car enclosed garage on Lot 1. Whitaker also said Condition 15 was revised by staff from a 30‑foot right‑of‑way dedication to 25 feet so the dedication aligns with the existing sidewalk.
Property owners William and Cynthia Maddox spoke in public comment objecting to Condition 8. William Maddox said the proposed garage “is gonna change the way the neighborhood looks… attached to the house, I mean, that's gonna make it look not even historic anymore,” and asked the commission to consider alternatives such as a carport or designated parking that would not block the home's street view.
Staff and commissioners discussed options including an administrative SB9 urban lot split path, the difficulty of meeting variance findings without physical site constraints, and the variance process, which staff estimated could cost on the order of $7,000–8,000 and would require a separate noticed hearing. Staff advised the commission that the tentative parcel map, if recommended, proceeds to City Council for ratification typically on the consent calendar, while any variance petition would be a separate approval process that could be appealed.
Commissioner Smith moved to approve the staff recommendation, including all conditions of approval; the motion carried on roll call. The commission adopted resolution PC 2025‑09 finding the project categorically exempt under CEQA (Title 14, Class 15 minor land divisions) and recommending approval of TPM 2023‑43. Staff reminded applicants that they have 10 days from the planning commission's decision to file a written appeal to City Council.
The minutes and staff report note that, with conditions in place, staff concluded the proposed tentative parcel map would create two conforming parcels consistent with R‑1 zoning, subject to any future site plan review if additional development is proposed on either lot. The applicants indicated they will accept the conditions and move forward rather than withdraw and pursue a variance at this time.
