These projects were reviewed pursuant to the guidelines of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and determined to be Categorically Exempt pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) because the projects do not pose a significant effect on the environment.  The acquisition of the properties is exempt from the review under CEQA because the purchase of the properties will not have a significant impact on the environment.  Further environmental review will be conducted on the properties if the construction is proposed at a later date.

That the Planning Commission Approve:

A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LA HABRA MAKING A DETERMINATION OF CONFORMITY FINDINGS AS REQUIRED UNDER CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 65402 AND RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL PURCHASE THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 107 EAST SECOND AVENUE, LA HABRA, CA.

A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LA HABRA MAKING A DETERMINATION OF CONFORMITY FINDINGS AS REQUIRED UNDER CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 65402 AND RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL PURCHASE THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 106 EAST FIRST AVENUE, LA HABRA CA.

A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LA HABRA MAKING A DETERMINATION OF CONFORMITY FINDINGS AS REQUIRED UNDER CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 65402 AND RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL PURCHASE THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 205-211 SOUTH EUCLID STREET, LA HABRA CA.

The City of La Habra ("City") is interested in acquiring three (3) properties to be used for public purposes. The first property is located at 107 East Second Avenue.  The property consists of a 4,900 square foot parcel and is developed with a 748 square foot one-bedroom, one-bathroom house.  The property is located north of Brio Park and is currently zoned R-7 “Multiple Family Dwelling”.  Should the City purchase the property, the parcel could be used to provide parking for Brio Park which has no parking lot.  The purchase would be consistent with General Plan goals and policies to provide common recreation open space within residential zones.

The second property under consideration for purchase is located 106 East First Avenue.  The parcel is just south of and across the street from the City Hall parking lot.  The parcel is 9,583 square feet in size and is developed with a 4,213 square foot commercial building that is currently utilized as an electronics repair business.  The parcel is currently zoned R-7.

Should the City purchase this parcel, the property could be used to either expand existing operations such as employment training or provide parking for the Civic Center.  The City is also considering leasing the commercial space for a limited term until it utilizes the building for City operations.

Purchasing the parcel and utilizing it for City operations would be consistent with the General Plan goals and policies to provide a diversity of uses and services supporting La Habra's residents, such as facilities for civic governance and administration, public safety (police and fire), seniors and youth, community gatherings and comparable activities.

The third property under consideration is located at 205-211 South Euclid Street, which is adjacent to Portola Park and is currently being utilized as a chiropractor’s office.  The property consists of two parcels: the northerly parcel (205 South Euclid Street) is 5,227 square feet in size and is developed with a 1,050 square foot building, and; the southerly parcel (211 South Euclid Street) is 9,583 square feet in size and developed with a 2,880 square foot building.  The two buildings abut one another which straddle an interior lot line and are being sold as one property.  The parcels are currently zoned R-6 "Multiple Family Dwelling."

Should the City purchase the property, the parcels could be utilized as an extension of Portola Park.  The purchase would be consistent with General Plan goals and policies to provide common recreation open space within residential zones.

In order for the City to purchase the three (3) properties, Government Code Section 65402 requires the Planning Commission to make a determination that the properties are consistent with the General Plan and Zoning Code.  As indicated above, the three (3) properties are located within R-6 and R-7 zones and the intended uses are in conformity with existing General Plan goals and policies.

Funds are available to cover the cost of the acquisition of the three (3) properties.

The proposed acquisitions have been reviewed pursuant to the requirements of the City's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Municipal Permit, the Local Implementation Plan (LIP), and Model Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP).  The acquisition of the properties are exempt by the Water Quality Ordinance as there is no construction being proposed at this time.  The subject action only relates to the purchase of the properties.  Further review will be conducted if and when the parcels are planned for development.

LU 2.5            Places Supporting the Quality of Life
LU 2.6             Places that Support Health Lifestyles
LU 8.3            Parks and Open Space Amenities