City Attorney Karl Berger said that he and staff worked to define the issue as well as remove “ambiguous language” in the current code regarding structure rebuilding. In addition, owners of housing units on non-conforming property can continue its use as long as the property is not abandoned for more than one year.Realtor Julie Taylor thanked the Council, noting that the change will benefit Santa Paula and its residents; while Realtor Kay Wilson-Bolton said that the city had been “very responsive” to the issue.“I too feel that possibly we may have resolved the biggest problem we are facing,” and Pulido said that now the county must be fully informed of Santa Paula zoning changes to avoid confusion. She also asked that the Council consider directing staff to contact property owners directly regarding rezoning and not just rely on legal notices published in the newspaper.“I’m not pointing fingers, but I think it’s the courteous thing to do,” said Pulido. “Give them a chance to find out what this will mean.”
Draft ordinance to clarify non-conforming property issues
October 19, 2007
Santa Paula City Council
Realtors were relieved when the City Council approved a draft ordinance that would clarify mandates regarding non-conforming properties, opening the door to easier sales of single-family homes on parcels that had been rezoned commercial.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesRealtors were relieved when the City Council approved a draft ordinance that would clarify mandates regarding non-conforming properties, opening the door to easier sales of single-family homes on parcels that had been rezoned commercial. The Council approved the draft language at the October 15 meeting.Realtors have addressed the issue before the Council several times, noting that commercial property code language on rebuilding damaged structures gave lenders the jitters, made property acquisition more expensive, and deterred potential buyers. Realtor Anita Pulido had also objected to the rezoning of properties without the knowledge of the owners, as well as a lack of confirming paperwork at the county level.“We tried to set some examples and take a proactive approach,” said Planning Director Janna Minsk. “Due to the nature of the revisions, staff is suggesting that we take some comment then send the draft back to the Planning Commission” to start the code change process.
