Title
Chapin, Jr. PLN160206/PLN160207/PLN160208/PLN160209
Public hearing to consider the project categorically exempt per Section 15303(a) of the CEQA Guidelines and approval of Design Approvals to allow the construction of four (4) 1,348 square foot single-story single-family dwellings with attached 417 square foot garages, and approximately 320 linear feet of fencing. The properties are located at 11681, 11683, 11685, and 11687 Preston Street, Castroville, North County, Castroville Community Plan. (APNs: 030-011-015/016/017/018-000)
Report
PROJECT INFORMATION:
Planning File Numbers: PLN160206, PLN160207, PLN160208, and PLN160209
Owner: Donald and Barbara Chapin, Jr.
Project Location: 11681, 11683, 11685, and 11687 Preston Street, Castroville
APNs: 030-011-015/016/017/018-000
Agent: Sue Putnam
Plan Area: Castroville Community Plan, North County Area Plan
Flagged and Staked: Not Required
CEQA Action: Categorically exempt per Section 15303 of the CEQA Guidelines
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Zoning Administrator:
a. Find the project categorically exempt per section 15303 of the CEQA Guidelines; and
b. Adopt a resolution to approve four (4) Design Approvals, based on the findings and
evidence and subject to the three conditions of approval.
SUMMARY:
Applicant requests approval to build four new single-story houses on four in-fill lots in Castroville. Action for all four Design Approvals has been consolidated into one resolution. Staff finds that there are no design issues associated with these applications.
DISCUSSION:
The applicant proposes to construct four (4) 1,348 square foot single-story single-family dwellings with attached 417 square foot garages on individual lots, and install approximately 320 linear feet of fencing on the property lines between the residences and surrounding parcels. Colors and materials include dark brown asphalt composition roofing tiles; off white and dark green or brown exterior accent paint; and taupe, tan, dark green, and reddish brown exterior paint with a stucco finish. The residences will have similar, but not identical, color schemes.
The proposed structures are consistent with the surrounding residential neighborhood character. The applicant proposes a single-family dwelling with attached garage on each of four residential, in-fill lots in the Castroville Community. The surrounding parcels support a mix of single-family dwellings and apartments. The proposed single-story, single-family dwellings are also of comparable size to the single-story single-family dwellings in the adjacent neighborhood area.
The colors and materials are consistent with other dwellings in the neighborhood, which include a combination of tan, brown, green, blue, and off-white colors. The colors and materials of the proposed single-family dwellings would also match a recently-completed apartment complex on an adjacent parcel. In addition, the proposed structures comply with the Castroville Community Plan Design Guidelines with regard to style, compatibility, and architectural elements. The proposed development is not visible from Merritt Street, nor from any common public viewing area; therefore, the proposed structures would not have an impact on a public viewshed. As proposed, the projects assure protection of the public viewshed, are consistent with neighborhood character, and assure visual integrity.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
No other County agencies or departments reviewed this project. The projects were scheduled before the Castroville Land Use Advisory Committee (LUAC) on April 18, 2016; however, the LUAC did not meet due to lack of a quorum. Sue Putnam, agent for the applicant, and Eric Tynan, General Manager of the Castroville Community Services District, were the only other persons present. Given the minor nature of the proposed development (i.e., single-family residences on infill lots), and the lack of public concern as evidenced by no public involvement at the noticed LUAC, the applications were not rescheduled for further LUAC consideration. Although the LUAC did not meet, the LUAC members present individually commented that they supported the projects and had no objections.
FINANCING:
Funding for staff time associated with this project is included in the FY2015-2016 Adopted Budget for RMA-Planning.
Prepared by: Joseph Sidor, Associate Planner, x5262
Reviewed by: John Ford, RMA Services Manager, x5158
Approved by: Carl P. Holm, AICP, RMA Director, x5103
Attachments: Exhibit A Project Data Sheet
Exhibit B Draft Resolution, including:
Ÿ Conditions of Approval
Ÿ Site Plans, Floor Plans, and Elevations
Exhibit C Vicinity Map
Exhibit D Proposed Colors and Materials
cc: Front Counter Copy; Zoning Administrator; John Ford, RMA Services Manager; Joseph Sidor, Project Planner; Donald and Barbara Chapin, Jr., Owner; Sue Putnam, Agent; The Open Monterey Project (Molly Erickson); LandWatch (Amy White); Planning Files PLN160206, PLN160207, PLN160208, and PLN160209