2019-10 Amend Ch 24.60 (Minor Subdivisions) & Ch 24.70 (Lot Line Adjustments) 1
ORDINANCE 2019-10
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ENCINITAS,
CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTERS 24.60 (MINOR
SUBDIVISIONS —TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP) AND 24.70 (LOT LINE ADJUSTMENTS)
OF TITLE 24 (SUBDIVISIONS) OF THE ENCINITAS MUNICIPAL CODE
(CASE NUMBER: PLCY-003239-2019)
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission conducted a public hearing on August 15, 2019,
to discuss and consider proposed amendments to Title 24 (Subdivisions); considered public
testimony and made a recommendation to the City Council;
WHEREAS, a Public Notice of Availability of the proposed Local Coastal Plan
Amendments (LCPA) was issued, which opened a six-week public review period that ran from
July 26, 2019 through September 6, 2019;
. WHEREAS, the City Council conducted a Public Hearing on August 28, 2019, for the
purpose of considering amendments to Chapter 24.60 (Minor Subdivisions — Tentative Parcel
Map) to Chapter 24.70 (Lot Line Adjustments)Title 24 (Subdivisions) of the Encinitas Municipal
Code;
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the City's Municipal Code provisions should be
amended to be more in compliance with State law and improve existing regulations;
WHEREAS, the City Council finds the proposed text amendments are consistent with
the General Plan, the purposes of the Municipal Code, and other applicable City ordinances in
that the amendments do not change the intent of the sections to be amended;
WHEREAS, the City Council has duly considered all public testimony and the evaluation
and recommendation by the Planning Commission and staff, presented at said hearing; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the amendments are consistent with the adopted
Local Coastal Plan in that the amendments do not propose any change in land use or water
uses. Additionally, this Ordinance is intended to be carried out in a manner in full conformance
with the California Coastal Act of 1976 and the Development Services Director is hereby
authorized to submit this Ordinance as part of the Local Coastal Program Amendment to the
California Coastal Commission for their review and adoption.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Encinitas, California, hereby ordains
as follows:
SECTION ONE:
Chapters 24.60 (Minor Subdivisions — Tentative Parcel Map) and 24.70 (Lot Line
Adjustments) of Title 24 (Subdivisions) of the City of Encinitas Municipal Code are hereby
amended as follows:
SEE EXHIBIT "A"
SECTION TWO: ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION.
The City Council, in its independent judgment, finds that the adoption of the Municipal
Code and Local Coastal Program is exempt from environmental review pursuant to the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5). Section
15378(b)(5) exempts organizational or administrative activities of governments that will not
result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment. The action before the Planning
Commission is to receive the presentation and provide input or further direction, as appropriate,
which may inform how future work will be conducted. Environmental review will be considered
for any resulting future projects.
SECTION THREE: PUBLIC NOTICE AND EFFECTIVE DATE.
The City Clerk is directed to prepare and have published a summary of this ordinance no
less than five days prior to consideration of its adoption, and again within 15 days following
adoption, indicating the votes cast. This Ordinance will become effective following certification
by the California Coastal Commission as being consistent with the Local Coastal Program for
the City of Encinitas except for those properties located outside of the Coastal Zone that do not
require certification from the California Coastal Commission.
SECTION FOUR: SEVERABILITY.
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or word of this Ordinance is for any reason
held to be invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity
of the remaining portions of this Ordinance. The City Council hereby declares that it would have
passed and adopted this Ordinance, and each and all provisions hereof, irrespective of the fact
that one or more provisions may be declared invalid.
SECTION FIVE: INTRODUCTION.
This Ordinance was introduced on August 28, 2019.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 11th day of September, 2019 by the following vote to wit:
AYES: Blakespear, Hinze, Hubbard, Kranz, Mosca
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Catherine S. Blakespear, Mayor
City of Encinitas
ATTESTATION AND CERTIFICATION:
i
I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of Ordinance No. 2019-10 which has been
published pursuant to law.
Kat y Hollywood, City Clerk
EXHIBIT A
Chapter 24.60
MINOR SUBDIVISION—TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP
Sections:
24.60.010 Requirement
24.60.020 Tentative Map Contents and Procedure
24.60.030 Eligibility to File
24.60.040 Determination of Eligibility
24.60.050 Parcel Map Waiver
24.60.060 Expiration and Extension of Tentative Parcel Map
24.60.010 Requirement
Every subdivider proposing to create a minor subdivision shall comply with the
procedure and requirements contained in this chapter. (Ord. 87-10)
24.60.020 Tentative Map Contents and Procedure
Unless otherwise provided in this title, tentative parcel maps shall be subject to the
requirements and procedures applicable to tentative maps contained in Chapter 24.50.
(Ord. 87-10; Ord. 92-14)
24.60.030 Eligibility to File
Any person shall be eligible to file a minor subdivision application to create four or
fewer parcels on a parcel of land when:
A. Such parcel has been created legally or has been approved for development;
B. The applicant or owners by their current application will not have created, caused
to be created, or participated in the creation of more than four parcels on
contiguous property unless such parcels were created by the major subdivision
process. For purposes of interpreting this section, the term "participated" shall
mean having cooperated with or acted in a planning, coordinating or decision
making capacity in any formal or informal association or partnership for the
purpose of dividing real property;
C. Such minor subdivision is consistent with all applicable adopted general,
community and sub- area plans; and
D. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 66426 of the state Subdivision Map Act,
any pro- posed subdivision to create five or more parcels, regardless of parcel
size before or after the subdivision, and is subject to the provisions of Chapters
24.50 and 24.54 of this title. (Ord. 87-10; Ord. 92-14)
24.60.040 Determination of Eligibility.
The applicant or owner shall certify or declare under penalty of perjury that he or she is
eligible to divide property by the minor subdivision process. Prior to issuing any notice
of approval, the Development Services Director of PlanRiRg and Building (hereinafter
"Director") shall review the certification or declaration and any other pertinent
information and determine the eligibility of the applicant or owner to divide property by
the minor subdivision process. If the Director determines that there is evidence that the
eligibility requirements have not been met, or that there is evidence that the
transactions relating to the subdivision may have been collusive or for the purpose of
evasion of the Act or this title, the Director shall require documentary evidence to
establish that the applicant or owner meets the requirements and that the transactions
are or were bona fide transactions and not intended to evade the Act or this title. As
determined by the Director, such evidence shall include, but is not limited to, true
copies of escrow instructions, grant deeds and offers to purchase and such statements
under oath satisfactory to the Director to establish that the applicant or owner has
acquired the property by a legitimate arm's length transaction. Such statements shall
cover such matters as the adequacy of consideration for the transactions, whether the
transfer was to a close relative or business associate, the retention of control or
financial interest in the transaction, or any other matter necessary to establish that the
transaction is not part of a conspiracy or plan to evade the Act or this title. (Ord. 87-10;
Ord. 2003-08)
24.60.050 Parcel Map Waiver.
Under the circumstances and subject to the provisions specified in this section,
in lieu of the requirements to file and receive approval of a tentative and final
parcel map and to record a final parcel map, a subdivider may file for approval of
a parcel map waiver.
A. A parcel map waiver may be applied to the following types of subdivisions:
,1. Fesulting On the Greatien Of nno single lot; nr
21. A condominium conversion when no new units or lots are being created.
B. Prior to approval of a parcel map waiver, the following finding shall be
made: The proposed subdivision and each of the lots proposed te be
created condominium conversion complyies with requirements as to area,
on-site improvements, design, access, floodwater drainage control,
adequate boundary monumentation, dedications of right-of-way, payment of
development fees, appropriate improved public streets and other off-site
improvements, sanitary disposal facilities, water sup- ply availability, fire
protection facilities, environmental review and protection, grading, and any
and all other requirements of this title and the state Subdivision Map Act
which would be applicable to review and approval of a tentative final parcel
map.
C. For purposes of consideration of a parcel map waiver application, the
Director shall be the authorized agency. Any determination of the Director
may be appealed* to the next higher approval authority as provided under
this title. (*See Chapter 1.12.)
D. An application for a parcel map waiver shall be submitted on such form and
with such material as shall be determined by the Director. Such material
shall include a parcel map waiver plat which shall provide all information
required by this title to be provided on a tentative parcel map. Such fee as
may be adopted by the City for a parcel map waiver application shall be
paid. The application shall be distributed for review and comment as
determined by the Director. Such distribution shall include review by the
City Engineer to determine compliance with technical requirements
applicable under the state Subdivision Map Act.
E. After receipt of all comments and review of the proposed subdivision, the
Director shall determine if the required findings can be made and the
application for parcel map waiver is approved or denied. Prior to any
determination of approval, acceptance by the City Engineer by signature on
the Final Parcel Map waiver plat shall be obtained. A letter of determination
shall be provided to the applicant. An approval shall be valid for a period of
one year from the date of approval, within which time the remaining
procedures under subsection F of this section shall be completed, otherwise
the approval shall expire.
F. If no appeal is filed or if approval is granted after an appeal, upon notification of
approval the applicant(s) for a parcel map waiver shall have a site survey done
and have a record of survey prepared and recorded at the County Recorder's
office
application. The applicant(s) shall also have prepared and recorded new deeds of
property ownership to ronfOffn to the lets approved. The applicant(s) shall deliver
to the Director copies of the recorded record of survey plat and the recorded
deeds of ownership tege+her w th nleeUre E;aIn„IatiGRS for each of the new late
Upon confirmation that these instruments are in substantial compliance with the
parcel map waiver application as approved, the Director shall have prepared and
recorded a certificate of compliance fer ennh of the new lets Recordation of the
certificate(s) of compliance shall complete the parcel map waiver process for an
approved application. (Ord. 88-10; Ord. 92- 14; Ord. 92-39; Ord. 2017-03)
Chapter 24.70
LOT LINE ADJUSTMENTS
Sections:
24.70.010 Requirements.
24.70.020 Filing of Application.
24.70.030 On-Site Sewage Disposal.
24.70.040 Director's Action.
24.70.060 Approval of Application.
24.70.070 Appeal.
24.70.080 Action on Appeal.
24.70.090 Expiration of Approval.
24.70.100 Extension of Approval.
24.70.110 Completion of Approved Lot Line Adjustment.
24.70.010 Requirements.
A. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this title to the contrary, every person
desiring to ad- just a legal lot line between two or more adjacent lots, where the
land taken from one lot is added to an adjacent lot, or to merge contiguous
parcels under common ownership initiated by a private property owner, without
creating a greater number of lots shall comply with the provisions of this chapter.
All lots prior to adjustment proposed to be included in a lot line adjustment or
merger shall be lots lawfully created under the provisions of the state Subdivision
Map Act and local ordinances adopted pursuant thereto.
B. In the alternative, the applicant may elect to accomplish a lot line adjustment by
preparing a parcel map in accordance with this title without filing a tentative parcel
map. (Ord. 87-10; 88- 10)
24.70.020 Filing of Application.
A. The applicant shall file with the Planning and Building Development Services
Director (hereinafter "Director") an adjustment plat prepared and signed by a
licensed civil engineer or land surveyor and the subject property owner(s), which
clearly shows all existing and proposed lot lines and all structures on the
properties. The form and content of the application must comply with the
requirements established by the Director.
B. The applicant shall pay the established fee before the application is accepted for
filing. (Ord. 2003-08)
24.70.030 On-Site Sewage Disposal.
A. Prior to approval of a lot line adjustment, any parcel which is served by an on-site
sewage disposal system must be reviewed by the Department of Health to ensure
that the proposed lot line adjustment:
1. Will not adversely impact upon existing sewage disposal facilities; and
2. Will conform to all property line setback requirements for sewage disposal
facilities.
B. No lot line adjustment shall be approved for any property with a
substandard, on-site sewage disposal system unless such system is
improved to conform with existing standards.
C. Upon review and approval by the Department of Health, a designated
officer of the Department shall sign a certificate on the proposed record of
survey. (Ord. 87-10)
24.70.040 Director's Action
A. The Director shall determine whether the existing parcels to be adjusted are legal
lots of re- cord. The Director may require a certificate of compliance be prepared
for the existing parcels. The applicant shall pay the required fee for preparation of
the certificate of compliance.
B. The Director shall act within 45 days of filing a complete application.
C. The Director is authorized to approve, disapprove or direct the revision of the
proposed lot line adjustment in order to bring the proposal into conformance with
the Municipal Code as to setbacks, lot width, lot depth and lot area.
D. The decision of the Director shall become final 10 days after the decision unless a
timely appeal is filed. (See Chapter 1.12.)
E. The Director when authorized, shall render a final determination without
conducting a noticed public hearing. The Director may hold a public hearing prior
to making a final determination which shall be noticed according to the provisions
of Chapter 30.01 as modified by this chapter. The Director may refer the
application, with a recommendation to the Planning Commission.
F. If the Director has referred the application to the Planning Commission, the
Director shall cause the filed application to be presented at a noticed public
hearing conducted by the Planning Commission.
G. The Planning Commission shall make a final determination on the application
when authorized. Otherwise, the Planning Commission shall make a
recommendation to the City Council.
H. If the Planning Commission made a recommendation, the Director shall cause the
filed application to be presented at a noticed public hearing conducted by the City
Council which shall render a final decision. (Ord. 92-14; Ord. 92-39; Ord. 96-07)
24.70.060 Approval of Application.
The application to adjust a lot line shall be approved unless the parcels resulting from
the adjustment will:
A. Create a condition which does not comply with zoning and development
regulations. All parcels resulting from a lot line adjustment shall comply with
minimum City requirements for lot size, dimensions, access, parking and
circulation, and all other applicable development standards established through
the Zoning and Development Code. The lot line adjustment shall also be found to
promote available design standards and guidelines as established through the
Zoning and Development Code. The lots resulting from a lot line adjustment and
existing and/or potential development on those lots shall be found to be within
limitations for lot density and intensity of development and use as established
through the Zoning and Development Code.
B. Create a condition which does not comply with building regulations.
C. Materially, adversely affect an agreement for the security for the construction of
public improvements.
D. Extends beyond the City limit boundary.
E. Requires substantial alteration of any existing improvement or creates a need for
any new improvement.
F. Adjusts the boundary line between lots which are subject to an agreement for public
improvements, unless the City Engineer finds that the proposed adjustment will not
materially affect such agreement for the security therefor. (Ord. 87-10; Ord. 88-10)
24.70.070 Appeal
A. Any person aggrieved by a final determination made under the authority of this chapter
may file with the next higher authority an appeal pursuant to Chapter 1.12.
B. A final determination by the Director or the Planning Commission shall be appealed to
the City Council. (Ord. 92-14; Ord. 92-39)
24.70.080 Action on Appeal
The appeal authority shall sustain, overrule or modify the decision. With the concurrence of the
applicant, the matter may be returned to the authorized agency for further action. (Ord. 92-39)
24.70.090 Expiration of Approval
An action to approve a lot line adjustment shall be valid for two years from the date of action
of the authorized agency or appeal authority. Within this time the remaining procedures
specified under Section 24.70.110 of this chapter shall be completed; otherwise, the approval
shall expire and be of no further effect. (Ord. 92-39; Ord. 2017-03)
24.70.100 Extension of Approval
A. The Director may grant time extensions to approved lot line adjustment applications
according to the following procedures and standards:
1. Upon application received prior to the expiration of the approved lot line
adjustment, the Director may extend the time of expiration for a period not to
exceed one year from the date of expiration of the approved lot line adjustment
application. No more than three such time extensions may be granted to any lot
line adjustment application. The Director shall consider the current circumstances
of the site and the surrounding area. The conditions of approval shall remain
substantially unchanged from the originally approved application for lot line
adjustment. A need to alter or add conditions, attach additional development fees,
or alter map design shall be grounds for denial of the time extension; the applicant
may file a new lot line adjustment application.
2. Upon proper receipt of an application, according to the provisions of this section, to
extend approval of a lot line adjustment, the approval shall automatically be
extended for 60 days or until the application for the extension is approved,
conditionally approved, or denied, whichever occurs first. If the Director denies an
application for an extension, the applicant may appeal to the legislative body within
10 days after the Director has denied the extension. Upon proper filing of an
application for extension, public notice shall be made in accordance with the
provisions of Chapter 30.01 as modified by this chapter. A public hearing is not
required. (Ord. 92-14; Ord. 92-39)
24.70.110 Completion of Approved Lot Line Adjustment
Upon notification of approval if no appeal is filed, or approval after appeal, the applicant(s)
shall comply with conditions imposed. The applicant(s) shall also have prepared and
recorded new deeds of property ownership to conform to the adjusted lots as approved. The
applicant(s) shall deliver to the Director two copies of the recorded deeds of ownership,
together with evidence of compliance with conditions, and closure calculations for each of
the lots as adjusted. No record of survey shall be required for completion of an approved lot
line adjustment, unless otherwise required by Section 8762 of the California Business and
Professions Code. Upon written confirmation by the City Engineer that these instruments are
in substantial compliance with the lot line adjustment application as approved, the Director
shall have prepared and recorded a certificate of compliance for each of the new lots.
Recordation of the certificates of compliance shall complete the process for an approved
application for lot line adjustment. (Ord. 2000-14)