I. RECOMMENDATION:
Staff is recommending that the City Council approve a zoning text amendment by waiving the second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 825, amending the Planning and Zoning Code related to regulating requests for second driveways in residential districts.
II. BACKGROUND:
City staff has been reviewing the regulations related to second driveways in residential districts and found that the policy that was approved by the City Council in 2012 is no longer consistent with the zoning code since its comprehensive updated in 2014 (attached is a copy of the policy). Staff has received multiple requests for second driveways from residents and in accordance with Section 9-4.309 (attached) second driveways are prohibited unless they meet criteria for a "U" shaped driveway which does allow for access to side and rear yards. Staff has reviewed several jurisdictions policies and found that second driveways for the use of RV parking and additional parking needs is common with established standards and specifications.
On, November 13, 2018, the Planning Commission, conducted a noticed public hearing to review and further approved Resolution 018P-011 recommending to the City Council approval of an zoning text amendment in the form of an ordinance that establishes regulations for permitting second driveways in residential districts.
On December 6, 2018, the City Council conducted a noticed public hearing and introduced and waived the first reading of Ordinance No. 825.
III. DISCUSSION:
Staff has prepared an ordinance that would incorporate new regulations into section 9-4.309 in order to facilitate permitting second driveways in residential districts. A copy of Ordinance No. 825 has been attached incorporating the regulations below:
a. Properties are limited to one driveway per parcel unless an encroachment permit has been obtained from the Public Works Department for a second driveway and all of the following standards have been met:
b. No more than 50% of the entire front yard area may be paved regardless of purpose. (i.e. driveways, walkways, etc.)
c. Space must be provided behind the building setback for parking. No parking in the front yard.
d. No more than 50% of lot frontage of any parcel shall be devoted to driveways.
e. A minimum 20’ clear distance per lot frontage is required for on-street parking.
f. Handicap ramps are not permitted driveway approaches.
g. A secondary driveway for RV’s may be allowed on corner lots with the approval of an encroachment permit from the Engineering Division.
h. Second Driveways must be located at a minimum of 2’ from any property line.
i. Driveways must be a minimum width of 15’, including flares, and a maximum width of 30’.
j. Driveways shall conform to all City Standards.
k. Cul-de-sac & knuckles are exempt from this requirement.
California Environmental Quality Act: Staff has determined that this action would be exempt from the California Environmental Quality act pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3), Review for Exemptions – General Rule, in that it can be seen that these actions will not have a significant effect on the environment.
IV. ALTERNATIVES:
- Do not waive the second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 825 - staff does not recommend.
V. FISCAL IMPACT:
When a zoning text amendment is brought before the City Council and City Council the following standard findings must be made for each Zoning Ordinance amendment. Specific findings may also be required by the decision-making body on a case-by-case basis.
(1) The proposed Zoning Ordinance amendment would not be detrimental to the public interest, health, safety, convenience, or welfare of the City.
(2) The proposed Zoning Ordinance amendment is consistent and compatible with the goals, policies, and actions of the General Plan, and the other applicable provisions of the Zoning Ordinance.
(3) If applicable, the site is physically suitable (including, but not limited to access, provision of utilities, compatibility with adjoining land uses, and absence of physical constraints) for the requested zoning designations and anticipated land uses/developments.
(4) The proposed Zoning Ordinance amendment has been processed in accordance with the applicable provisions of the California Government Code and the California Environmental Quality Act.
Staff has determined that this action would be exempt from the California Environmental Quality act pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3), Review for Exemptions – General Rule, in that it can be seen that these actions will not have a significant effect on the environment. |