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 130 South Willow Avenue: A request to find the City of Rialto acquisition of real property located at 130 South Willow Avenue (APN: #0130-211-30 and 0130-211-36) within the Rialto Central Specific Plan is consistent with the General Plan. This proposed action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act as an administrative action.
Body
APPLICANT:
City of Rialto, 150 South Palm Avenue, Rialto, CA 92376.
LOCATION:
The property site is located at the southwest corner of South Willow Avenue and West Rialto Avenue at 130 South Willow Avenue (APN: 0130-211-30 and 0130-211-36) (the “Project”) as shown on the location map (Exhibit A).
BACKGROUND:
Surrounding Land Use and Zoning
|
Location |
Existing Land Use |
Zoning |
|
Site |
Vacant Building (0130-211-30) - Red Tagged |
Commercial Manufacture (C-M) |
|
Site |
Vacant Building (0130-211-36) - Red Tagged |
Light Industrial (M-1) |
|
North |
Public Facility |
Commercial Manufacture (C-M) |
|
South |
Commercial Business |
Light Industrial (M-1) |
|
East |
Public Facilities |
Support Facility (S-F) in the Rialto Central Area Specific Plan |
|
West |
Public Facility |
Light Industrial (M-1) |
Site Characteristics
The property is a rectangular-shaped area of land approximately 0.75 acres in size. The site is improved with one existing approximately 6,900 square-foot commercial (mortuary) building and a 26,000 square feet asphalt parking lot and drive lane. The remainder of the site is front and side yard/landscaping and minor ancillary improvements. The building is vacant with fire damage and remains in a red tag condition.
Surrounding Area
The property to the north, across West Rialto Avenue, is the City of Rialto Police Department zoned as Light Industrial (M-1), the property to the south is an existing commercial business zoned as Light Industrial (M-1). The properties to the east, across South Willow Avenue, are public facilities zoned as Support Facility (S-F) in the Rialto Central Area Specific Plan, and the property to the west is a public facility zoned as Light Industrial (M-1).
ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION:
Project Proposal
The City is anticipating the proposed acquisition of 130 South Willow Avenue to be incorporated into the master-planning of the City’s Civic Center public facilities. 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 and master planning of its civic center facilities in downtown Rialto. The property is located within the Civic Center area and is ideal to serve in the City’s long-term public facility development strategy. The property acquisition is consistent with the objectives, 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
The City plans to demolish the existing structure and integrate the property into its long-term Civic Center public facility masterplan.
GENERAL PLAN CONSISTENCY:
The Project is consistent with the following goals of the Economic Development Element of the Rialto General Plan:
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.
Goal 3-1: Strengthen and diversify the economic base and employment opportunities and maintain a positive business climate.
Goal 3-3: Attract, expand, and retain commercial and industrial businesses to reduce blighted conditions and encourage job growth.
Goal 3-4: Revitalize aging and underperforming commercial and industrial areas.
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 0130-211-30, and 0130-211-36 located at 130 South Willow Avenue.