Santa Paula planning commission adopts resolution finding 2025–27 CIP in conformance with general plan; resident raises CEQA concerns about Faulkner Road parcel

The Santa Paula Planning Commission on June 24 unanimously adopted Resolution 38-71 finding the proposed 2025–27 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) conforms with the City of Santa Paula general plan.

The action, taken at a noticed public hearing, documents the planning commission's review under Government Code section 65401 and treats the CIP as a budgetary planning document that is exempt from further CEQA review under the CEQA Guidelines cited in the staff report. Staff also emphasized that adoption of the CIP does not approve individual projects, each of which will receive separate environmental review as required.

Tom, a member of community development staff who presented the item, said the CIP consists of public-works projects with values greater than $10,000 and is generally financed with funds restricted to capital improvements. "No general funds or general purpose taxes are used to fund CIP projects," Tom said. The staff report cited Government Code section 65401 and CEQA guidance classifying the CIP adoption as an organizational or administrative activity that will not result in a physical change to the environment.

During public comment, a resident identified only as Michael said a private development near Faulkner Road and the former Kmart parcel should be subject to an environmental impact report. "I'm not sure if it's some small way to avoid making an environmental impact report because myself and everybody within 300 feet and then everybody else in Santa Paula is going to be affected dramatically by this project for eternity," Michael said. He named project references he said were on a posted billboard and said the development could bring thousands of residents and new pedestrian access onto a private road near his home.

Tom responded to Michael's concerns during the hearing: "This is not a CIP project. CIP projects are city development projects. So infrastructure, this is a private development project. It doesn't relate to this." Tom also told Michael staff and the city attorney's office have required developers to review traffic, noise and air quality because the site is next to the freeway, adding that Meridian Consultants had conducted environmental review beyond what state law required.

Commissioners then approved Resolution 38-71 by roll call vote. Chair Kelly moved to adopt the resolution and the motion was seconded; the recorded vote was unanimous in favor.

The resolution documents the planning commission's finding of conformance only; it does not authorize construction or relieve private projects of independent CEQA or other environmental review.

Staff published the notice of hearing in the Ventura County Star on June 13, according to the staff presentation. Planning staff said they will return to the planning commission on individual private development projects as required by the review and environmental process.

The planning commission closed the hearing and moved to other items on the agenda.