Adopt a Resolution of Acceptance of Parcel Map No. 5217 to divide two lots, each developed with a duplex, into four individual lots. The parcels are located at 26253/26259 and 26261/26267 Woodland Avenue in the unincorporated town of Esparto (APNs: 049-262-006 and 049-262-007). (No general fund impact) (Lindbo/Trebec)

At the public hearing held on July 11, 2024, the Yolo County Planning Commission approved a Tentative Parcel Map to divide two lots, each developed with a duplex, into four lots and determined the project was exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The proposed Parcel Map will allow the owner to offer each individual unit for sale independently, thereby increasing the affordable housing supply in Esparto. For additional project details, please refer to the Planning Commission staff report in Attachment D.

The two neighboring rental duplexes, located at 26253/26259 and 26261/26267 Woodland Avenue in the town of Esparto, were approved and permitted for construction in 2007. Both parcels are 50 feet wide and 150 feet long or 0.17 acre in size with frontage on Woodland Avenue and an alley in the back, as shown in Attachment A. The duplexes were constructed front to back with the rear unit having access from the alley. The lots are designated Residential Medium (RM) in the 2030 Countywide General Plan and zoned Medium Density Residential (R-M), as are all the properties facing Woodland Avenue on this block. Residences on the north side of Woodland Avenue and across the alley to the south of the project site are zoned Low Density Residential (R-L). The lots are served with public water and wastewater by the Esparto Community Services District. Separate water and sewer lines for each unit run along the shared property boundary from the alley.

The Parcel Map was deemed technically correct by the County Surveyor on September 9, 2024. The Project supports housing goals in the 2030 Countywide General Plan by providing four small, attached homes for individual sale, a rare but much needed housing type in unincorporated Yolo County. Staff supports the Planning Commission's recommendation for approval of the Project as it will provide more affordable housing options for the community of Esparto, and it furthers General Plan policies by providing a mix of housing types (individual for-sale small, attached homes), which are underrepresented in the County.

The Planning Commission determined the Tentative Parcel Map to be exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) based on Section 15061(b)(3), known as the "common sense" rule and a Notice of Exemption was filed with the County Clerk Recorder. Pursuant to Section 15268 of the CEQA Guidelines, the approval of a Parcel Map is exempt from the requirements of CEQA as a ministerial project. 

Staff worked with the Public Works Division and Esparto Fire Protection District to address potential concerns about the alley access of the rear units. The project was presented to the Esparto Citizens Advisory Committee (ECAC) on June 18, 2024, and the ECAC voted to unanimously recommend approval of the Tentative Parcel Map to the Planning Commission by a vote of 7-0. Please refer to Attachment D for additional details on the Planning Commission's recommendation.