For the Planning Commission Meeting of November 6, 2024
TO: Honorable Chairman and Planning Commissioners
APPROVAL: Colby Cataldi, Director of Community Development
REVIEWED BY: Paul Gonzales, Community Development Manager
FROM: Paul Guerrero, Economic Development Manager
Title
Purchase and Sale Agreement for 308 North Riverside Avenue: A request to find the City of Rialto acquisition of real property located at 308 North Riverside Avenue (APN: #0130-033-31 and 0130-033-32) within the Rialto Central Specific Plan is consistent with the General Plan. This proposed action is exempt from California Environmental Quality Act as an administrative action.
Body
APPLICANT:
City of Rialto, 150 South Palm Avenue, Rialto, CA 92376.
LOCATION:
The property is located at 308 North Riverside Avenue (APN: 0130-033-31 and 0130-033-32) (the “Project”) approximately 145 feet north of the intersect of East 3rd Street and Riverside Avenue on the west side of Riverside Avenue as shown on the location map (Exhibit A).
BACKGROUND:
Surrounding Land Use and Zoning
|
Location |
Existing Land Use |
Zoning |
|
Site |
Vacant Site (0130-033-31) |
Office Services (O-S) in the Rialto Central Area Specific Plan |
|
Site |
Vacant Site (0130-033-32) |
Office Services (O-S) in the Rialto Central Area Specific Plan |
|
North |
Residential |
Office Services (O-S) in the Rialto Central Area Specific Plan |
|
South |
Commercial Business |
Office Services (O-S) in the Rialto Central Area Specific Plan |
|
East |
Commercial Businesses |
Office Services (O-S) in the Rialto Central Area Specific Plan |
|
West |
Residential |
Multi-Family Residential (MFR) in the Rialto Central Area Specific Plan |
Site Characteristics
The property is a rectangular-shaped parcel approximately 0.64 acres in size. The site was previously developed with a 13,700 square foot two-story office building that was recently damaged in a fire. Since the fire, the remaining structure was demolished and the site was cleared with only the asphalt parking lot and the building’s concrete slab improvements remaining.
Surrounding Area
The property to the north is residence zoned as Office Services (O-S) in the Rialto Central Area Specific Plan, the property to the south is an existing commercial business zoned as Office Services (O-S) in the Rialto Central Area Specific Plan. The properties to the east, across Riverside Avenue, are existing commercial businesses zoned as Office Services (O-S) in the Rialto Central Area Specific Plan, and the property to the west is a single-family residence zoned as Multi-Family Residential (MFR).
ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION:
Project Proposal
The City is anticipating the proposed acquisition of 308 North Riverside Avenue for a future affordable housing project. Consistent with Government Code Section 64052(a), the Planning Commission must find that the proposed land acquisition conforms with the City’s General Plan. The acquisition of the parcels will offer the City strategic planning benefits for the future redevelopment of Downtown Rialto. The property acquisition is located within the Civic Center area and is ideal to serve in the City’s development strategy. The property acquisition is consistent with the objective goals and policies envisioned in the General Plan.
Entitlement Requirements
Entitlements are not applicable for the purchase of the Property.
Locational Requirements
Locational requirements are not applicable for the purchase of the Property.
Land Use Compatibility
There is no current proposed use for the site. The City plans to demolish remaining existing improvements.
GENERAL PLAN CONSISTENCY:
The Project is consistent with the following goals of the Economic Development Element of the Rialto General Plan:
Goal 2-20: Require high-level quality multi-unit design, landscaping, and architecture.
Goal 2-21: Ensure high-quality planned developments in Rialto.
Goal 2-5: Develop Downtown Rialto as a lively, pedestrian friendly district typical of a small-town downtown, with a vibrant mix of residential, commercial, civic uses, and transit-oriented development.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT:
The proposed action to approve the Purchase and Sale Agreement is exempt pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) (General Rule Exemp-tion), of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA”) for an administrative action. The future development project shall comply with CEQA as required.
RECOMMENDATION:
The Planning Division recommends that the Planning Commission:
1. Determine that the project is exempt pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) (General Rule Exemp-tion), of the California Environmental Quality Act and direct staff to file the Notice of Exemption, and;
2. Approve a resolution making a General Plan Conformity Determination consistent with California Government Code Section 65402(a) for the purpose of acquiring real property Assessor Parcel Numbers, APNs 0130-033-31, and 0130-033-32 located at 308 North Riverside Avenue.