Conversion of Second-Floor Office Space to Residential Units
Summary
SCH Number
2026040779
Public Agency
City of Solvang
Document Title
Conversion of Second-Floor Office Space to Residential Units
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
4/16/2026
Document Description
The applicant proposes a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) and Development Permit to allow mixed-use development and modification of the City’s parking requirements associated with the proposed conversion of existing second-floor office space to residential units, located at 1697 Copenhagen Drive (APN 139-182-082). The CUP would allow the establishment of residential dwelling units above existing ground-floor commercial uses and permit the required parking to be satisfied through payment of the City’s in-lieu parking fee, as on-site parking cannot be accommodated due to physical constraints of the site. The proposed project includes;
• Conversion of approximately 2,600 square feet of existing second floor office space to three residential dwelling units (two studio apartments and one ADU);
• Establishment of a mixed-use building configuration, consisting of ground floor commercial uses and second floor residential dwelling units within the Village Mixed Use (VMU) zoning district;
• Minor exterior modifications including replacement of select windows with doors, installation of new doors and sidelights, and a new entry at the existing stairwell alcove to serve the residential units;
• No expansion of the building footprint or increase in building height;
• Request to satisfy the required two parking spaces through payment of an in lieu parking fee due to the inability to provide parking on site.
Contact Information
Name
Lisa Coria
Agency Name
City of Solvang
Job Title
Assistant Planner
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Name
Lonnie Roy
Agency Name
On Design LLC
Job Title
Land Use Planner
Contact Types
Parties Undertaking Project
Phone
Email
Location
Coordinates
Cities
Solvang
Counties
Santa Barbara
Regions
Citywide
Cross Streets
Copenhagen Dr., Alisal Rd.
Zip
93463
Total Acres
.06
Parcel #
139-182-021
State Highways
246
Railways
None
Airports
Santa Ynez Valley Airport
Schools
Solvang School
Waterways
Alamo Pintado Creek, Santa Ynez River
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 32, section 15332, Class 3, section 15303
Reasons for Exemption
CEQA provides several “categorical exemptions” which are applicable to categories of projects and activities that the Lead Agency (the City of Solvang) has determined generally do not pose a risk of significant impacts on the environment.
The proposed project is categorically exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15332 (Infill Development Projects) and Section 15303 (New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures) of the CEQA Guidelines. The project involves the conversion of existing second-floor office space to residential use within an existing building and includes only minor exterior modifications. The project does not result in an expansion of the building footprint. The project qualifies for the Class 32 exemption because it is consistent with the applicable General Plan designation and zoning regulations, as conditioned; occurs on a site less than five acres in size within an urbanized area; would not result in significant impacts related to traffic, noise, air quality, or water quality; and is adequately served by existing utilities and public services. The project also qualifies for the Class 3 exemption as it consists of the conversion of existing interior space and minor exterior alterations to an existing structure. None of the exceptions to the use of categorical exemptions identified in CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2 apply. The project is not located in a sensitive environment, would not result in cumulative impacts, and does not involve unusual circumstances that would result in a significant environmental effect. Based on the above, the proposed project is exempt from further environmental review under CEQA.
County Clerk
Santa Barbara
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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